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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned 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 suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

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