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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the aim of this article.