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Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to book lodging when I arrived, but when I arrived, a major event was happening and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering near a gaming venue, believing I might spend the evening in an establishment that stayed open all night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

We could all use more individuals with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused as a young woman noticed me loitering in downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and right away she said I was welcome to sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: one of the sandwiches she had from her part-time job. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot to rest to sleep.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted being a woman inviting a man she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did go to ANU, and I lost touch with her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. I hope karma has repaid her good deed many times over. We could all use more individuals like that woman.