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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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