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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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