What’s a moment when a stranger completely restored your faith in people?

Great men maketh great men

Many people have impacted my life in meaningful ways. Still, when I think about moments when strangers became more than strangers and completely restored my faith in people, three individuals immediately come to mind.

The first is a professor who, from the moment I arrived in America for my master’s degree at UC Berkeley, became much more than a teacher. He became a mentor who helped me understand and navigate an unfamiliar educational system. His guidance, patience, and willingness to help made an environment that was new to me feel a little less overwhelming. Now we are friends, stay in touch, and his recommendations still open doors.

The second is a friend I met at I-House who generously donated many books to me. It may seem like a small gesture, but for a student and researcher, books can represent opportunities. That kindness reminded me that people can give simply because they believe in someone else’s journey. He still sends me books to this day, even for my birthday this year!

When you become a king never forget those who helped you wear the crown

The third person is a man my UC Berkeley professor introduced me to. He was a professor emeritus at the University of Vermont in Burlington, who hosted me for a few days and generously allowed me to use his personal library for my research on parémiology. He opened not only his home but also his resources to someone he barely knew. Now, he’s my mentor and friend, and he offers valuable advice.

Many people have impacted my life—whether in Nigeria, America, here, or there—and I remain grateful to all of them. But these three stand out because their support and kindness arrived during my most vulnerable moments. They reminded me that sometimes, a stranger—or someone who was once a stranger—can restore your faith in humanity simply by choosing not to give up on you and to help. Now, it’s up to me to keep paying forward kindness to others who may need it.