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In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” 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 got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.

Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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