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During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed I would book accommodation after getting there, but when I arrived, a large conference was in town and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a bus into town and began walking near a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the evening in an establishment operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the next morning, but as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed confused since a woman noticed me loitering in downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my my interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: one sandwiches she had from her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to sleep.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook as a woman allowing a guy she had only just encountered crash at her place. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.

I never did study at ANU, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more people who show such kindness.