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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached 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 cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

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

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory 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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