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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me 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 with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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