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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

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