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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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