🔗 Share this article

In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because 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 got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to 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 opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft 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 earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Tell us about the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

Please share your story if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.