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In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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