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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging upon arrival, however when I arrived, a big convention was happening and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and started wandering near the casino, believing I could pass those hours in a place operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the next day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost because a young woman saw me loitering in downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on the ground at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she took as a woman letting a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has repaid her act of kindness abundantly. Our society requires more people who show such kindness.