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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight 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 enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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