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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because 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 likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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