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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with 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 told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.