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In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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