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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes 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 transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.