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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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