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During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange accommodation after getting there, but upon reaching the city, a large conference was taking place and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend those hours in an establishment that was open 24/7. This was not ideal in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.

It seems I seemed out of place because a woman saw me loitering in downtown and inquired whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and immediately she said I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – which was perfect, as that’s where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered some food: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted being a woman inviting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I was in a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I never saw her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of kindness. It is my wish karma has rewarded her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.