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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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