🔗 Share this article

During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion 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 immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.