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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “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 got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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