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During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange accommodation after getting there, yet once I got there, a large conference was happening and every single backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards the casino, believing I could pass the evening in an establishment that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for nailing the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked out of place because a woman noticed me loitering in the city center and wondered whether I needed help. I shared my predicament and right away she offered I could crash on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She even offered me some free dinner: one filled rolls she had from her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location and secure to spend the night.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman letting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – and remain very grateful.

I never did study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope life has rewarded her good deed many times over. The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.