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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 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 grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door 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, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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