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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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