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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college 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.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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