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In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview 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 right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete 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 so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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