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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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