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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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