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During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned 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 chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish 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 changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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