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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education 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 full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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