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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 I would book accommodation upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a major event was in town and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a bus into town and began walking in the direction of the casino, thinking I could pass those hours somewhere that was open 24/7. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more people who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed lost as a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered if I was OK. I recounted my situation and right away she suggested I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest to sleep.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me what a big chance she took as a young woman allowing a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of human compassion. My sincere desire is that the universe has returned her generosity many times over. Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.