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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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