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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.