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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to 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 made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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