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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.