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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education 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 name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?

From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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