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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.