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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, 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 role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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