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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq 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 scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – 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 held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

From making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

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