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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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