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During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, 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. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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