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During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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