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During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual 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?

From making your day to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. What you share are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.