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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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