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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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