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In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

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