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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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