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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit 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 picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

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