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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.