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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

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