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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know 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 immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

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