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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit 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 position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. 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 Ever Done for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.