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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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