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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

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