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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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