🔗 Share this article

In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.