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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq 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. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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