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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

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

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

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