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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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