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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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