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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

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