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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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