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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. 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. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

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