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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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