🔗 Share this article

In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.