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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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