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During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book lodging when I arrived, however when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, thinking it was a place to spend the evening somewhere operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the following day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

I must have looked lost since a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and asked if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the sandwiches she had from her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a woman inviting a man she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to the potential danger. As a dad now, it astounds me she offered that help – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of human compassion. I hope life has repaid her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.