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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat 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 shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility 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 laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

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