The Open Society Foundation mattered for me in a very
important moment, and for that I will be forever grateful. It still
matters and continues to be a symbol for those hoping to see the society free from the shackles of
primitive tribalism and fundamentalism.
When I left Romania for Penn State in 1992, the generosity of the Romanian section (led by Sandra Pralong) of George Soros' Open Society Foundation helped me to cover my one-way plane ticket to New York City, upon showing them the acceptance letter from Penn State.
From there, Penn State colleagues who came to JFK for me gave me a ride to State College, PA (a very long and noisy 5 hours ride). That is another act of human kindness for which I will never forget.
Just thinking about the multitude of people doing kind things makes you a better human being.
