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During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

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

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.