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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

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