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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft 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 master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

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