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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.