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In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger 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?

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