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During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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