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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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