🔗 Share this article

In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” 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 seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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

Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.

We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.