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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.