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In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over 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 taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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