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In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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