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During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book lodging upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a big convention was in town and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Unsure of what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on public transport and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, thinking it was a place to spend those hours in an establishment that was open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more folks who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place because a female student noticed me walking aimlessly through the city center and asked if I was OK. I recounted my predicament and right away she suggested I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my my interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took as a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I was in my own unawareness and did not consider about things like that. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.

I never did attending ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has returned her good deed many times over. We could all use more people like that woman.