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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes 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 full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

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