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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role 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 am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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