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During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We got to the student accommodation, 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, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, 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 microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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