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In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. 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 involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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