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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

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