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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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