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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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