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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?

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