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In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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