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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

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

I worked there 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 never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, 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 role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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