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During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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