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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because 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 likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

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