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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

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