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In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

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