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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual 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 cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

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