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In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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