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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering 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. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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