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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq 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. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

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

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising 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.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

From making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.

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