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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with 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, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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