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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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