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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

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

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.