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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” 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 also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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