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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – 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 about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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