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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close 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, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told 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 immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

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

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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