🔗 Share this article

During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

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

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Tell us about 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 want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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