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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job 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 following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up 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 gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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