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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.