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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – 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 opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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