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In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, 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 wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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