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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

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