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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.

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