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During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got 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 full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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