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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.