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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

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