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During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity 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 changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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