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During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising 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 always appreciative.

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