🔗 Share this article

During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.