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During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

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