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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three 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.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.