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In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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