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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

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