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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.