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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed 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 went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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