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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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