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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, 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 met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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