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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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