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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

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