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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off 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 Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?

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