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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book lodging when I arrived, but when I arrived, a big convention was in town and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate all night. With no idea what my next move should be and growing worried, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering near the casino, reasoning I could pass the evening somewhere operating all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing an interview the next morning, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused because a young woman noticed me wandering around the city center and asked if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could crash on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, I can appreciate what a big chance she accepted as a woman allowing a guy who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at that university, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope life has returned her act of kindness tenfold. We could all use more folks with such compassion.