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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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