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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange lodging after getting there, yet once I got there, a big convention was happening and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and began walking near the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment that was open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more people like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – which was perfect, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she brought back her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she took as a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – but still very grateful.

I never did go to ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. I hope the universe has rewarded her generosity many times over. We could all use more folks with such compassion.