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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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