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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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