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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

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