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During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to book a place to stay when I arrived, however once I got there, a large conference was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, does not operate 24 hours. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a bus into town and found myself drifting near a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend those hours in a place operating 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed lost because a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview was the following day. She even offered some food: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she undertook being a woman allowing a male stranger who was a complete stranger stay in her room. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.

I never did study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.