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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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