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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course 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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