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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met 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 changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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