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In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?

Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

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