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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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