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In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies 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 consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

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