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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

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

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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