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During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed to arrange lodging after getting there, but upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and every single backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the night somewhere operating all night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked out of place because a young woman saw me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and right away she suggested I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered a meal: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. I was able to use the bathroom and a protected spot and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she took as a young woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. In those days I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – and remain incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. I hope life has repaid her act of kindness abundantly. The world needs more people who show such kindness.