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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

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