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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.

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