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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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