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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, 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 didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – 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 city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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