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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, 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 did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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