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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.