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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached 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 taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.