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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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