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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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