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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to 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: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

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

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