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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to arrange accommodation when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered maybe I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I caught a city-bound bus and started wandering near a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours in an establishment that was open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing an interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

I must have looked out of place because a young woman saw me walking aimlessly through the city center and asked whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I was in my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – yet very grateful.

I never did study at ANU, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her generosity many times over. We could all use more people with such compassion.