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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. 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 also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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