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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, 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. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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