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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.