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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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