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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book lodging upon arrival, however when I arrived, a big convention was in town and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, thinking I could pass the night in an establishment operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more people like that woman.

It seems I seemed lost since a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city center and asked if everything was alright. I explained my predicament and immediately she said I could sleep on the ground at her university residence at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, as that’s where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to sleep.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a woman letting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, 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 the universe has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more folks who show such kindness.