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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that 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 prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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