🔗 Share this article

In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?

From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.

Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.