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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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