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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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