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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed 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 graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.