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During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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