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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student 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 made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, 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.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?

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