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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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