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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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