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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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