Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.
Back when I was training for a National Certificate in Housekeeping, I met someone who left a lasting impression on me—someone I hadn’t expected to matter as much as he eventually did.
At the time, I was working locally with a company involved in building malls and establishments. But I had bigger dreams—I wanted to work abroad, particularly in Canada at the Marriott Hotel. My cousin was already helping me with the application process, and I knew that getting certified was a step in the right direction.
The training itself was brief—just five days, one hour per day—and we were only trained by a single student assistant. I had two fellow classmates, but I often preferred to work on my own. I’ve always been the kind of person who focuses intently, thinking that asking for help might slow me down.
But then, I recognized one of my fellow trainees. He was a former schoolmate from high school, though I was a year ahead of him back then. We hadn’t really talked before, but during the training, he turned out to be surprisingly helpful. He shared tips, shortcuts, and clear ways to understand the procedures that we were being trained on. His help made a big difference—especially when the assessment day came. Instead of fumbling through every step on my own, I found that his shared knowledge gave me clarity and confidence.
That brief connection reminded me that sometimes, working with others doesn’t mean slowing down—it can actually help you move forward more efficiently. It’s easy to overlook how much you can learn from others until someone genuinely reaches out to help.
Years later, I found out that he had passed away. It felt strange—a small, kind interaction with someone I hadn’t spoken to again, yet it stuck with me. Even more surprising, I discovered he was the cousin of one of my best friends in high school. Life really is full of unexpected links.
That encounter, brief as it was, reminded me that even a short connection with someone—a “stranger” you once knew—can leave a mark. It taught me the quiet power of collaboration and kindness, and how some people pass through our lives just long enough to make a difference.
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