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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was to book lodging after getting there, however once I got there, a big convention was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a bus into town and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the evening somewhere that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at an interview the following day, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a female student spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my my interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate what a big chance she accepted being a woman letting a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. I hope karma has returned her good deed many times over. The world needs more individuals like that woman.