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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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