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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange lodging after getting there, yet when I arrived, a major event was in town and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I caught a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the night somewhere that was open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the next day, but as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost because a female student spotted me walking aimlessly through downtown and inquired if everything was alright. I explained my situation and without hesitation she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the floor in her student dorm at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use a hot shower and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she accepted as a young woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope life has returned her good deed many times over. We could all use more folks like that woman.