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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit 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 position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day 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 organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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