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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. 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.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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