🔗 Share this article

During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.