🔗 Share this article

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. 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 using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi 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 made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness 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. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.

Please share your story if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.