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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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