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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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