🔗 Share this article

During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – 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 was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the aim of this article.