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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

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

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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