🔗 Share this article

During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

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 numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.