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During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” 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 was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

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