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In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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