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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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 are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

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