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During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage 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 so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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