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In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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