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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Most Generous Act a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?

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