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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Shown for You?

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