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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

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