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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer 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: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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