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During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured to book a place to stay when I arrived, yet once I got there, a major event was happening and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes all night. Not knowing how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and began walking near the casino, reasoning I might spend those hours in an establishment operating all night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for acing a crucial interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared out of place because a female student saw me wandering around the city and inquired whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she took as a young woman inviting a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did attending that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. I hope karma has returned her good deed tenfold. The world needs more folks with such compassion.