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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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