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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 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 picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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