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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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