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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.