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During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the 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 soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached 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 made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education 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 identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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