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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

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