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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told 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 opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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