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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

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