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In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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