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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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