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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share 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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