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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft 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 took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.