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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing 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 let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

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