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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to 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 taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education 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 incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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