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During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. 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. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered 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 redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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