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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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