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In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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