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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.