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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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