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In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing 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 organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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