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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.

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