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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising 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 Shown for You?

From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.