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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college 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.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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