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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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