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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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