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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed 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 postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.