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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached 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 went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer 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: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

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

We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.