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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured to arrange accommodation when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a major event was happening and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes all night. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking near a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the evening in an establishment that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for nailing a crucial interview the next day, but as a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared lost because a female student saw me wandering around the city and inquired whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could sleep on the floor at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman inviting a guy who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and did not consider about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she did that – but still very grateful.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her good deed tenfold. We could all use more individuals like that woman.