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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange accommodation upon arrival, however upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes all night. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking in the direction of the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening in a place that stayed open all night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the next day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared out of place since a female student spotted me wandering around the city and inquired if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and right away she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the ground in her student dorm at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she took being a woman allowing a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – but still very grateful.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. I hope life has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more individuals like that woman.