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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to 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 changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

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