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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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