🔗 Share this article

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.