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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” 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 took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.