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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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