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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

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