🔗 Share this article

In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.