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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared 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 electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him 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-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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