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Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange accommodation upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a large conference was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, thinking I might spend the evening somewhere that stayed open all night. This was not ideal at my peak for acing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused as a woman saw me walking aimlessly through the city and asked if everything was alright. I recounted my situation and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and a secure location to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook as a young woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she offered that help – yet incredibly thankful.

I never did attending ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. I hope life has rewarded her act of kindness abundantly. The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.