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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, but when I arrived, a large conference was happening and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught public transport and began walking towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the night in an establishment operating 24/7. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed confused as a young woman noticed me wandering around the city and inquired if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I could sleep on the floor at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered some food: a leftover sandwiches she had from her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took being a woman letting a male stranger she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I never saw the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of human compassion. My sincere desire is that the universe has rewarded her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more folks like that woman.