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During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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