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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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