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During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising 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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