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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

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