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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for 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 set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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