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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

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