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During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

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

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

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

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