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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining 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, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions 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 confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.