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In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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