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In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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