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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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