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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.