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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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