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During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. 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?

Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.