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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.