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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team 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.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.