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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, 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, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.