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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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