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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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