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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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