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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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