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In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting 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 straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?

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