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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown 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 an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.