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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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