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During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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