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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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