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In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position 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 ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete 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 changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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