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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have 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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