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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of 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, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.