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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed 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 went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

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