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During 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend those hours somewhere operating all night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked lost as a female student noticed me wandering around the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. I had access to the bathroom and a secure location and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman letting a man she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she did that – and remain very grateful.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her generosity abundantly. We could all use more people like that woman.