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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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