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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him 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 evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.