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During 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange lodging when I arrived, however when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. Unsure of quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a bus into town and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the evening in a place that was open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the next day, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a female student spotted me wandering around the city center and inquired if I was OK. I recounted my situation and immediately she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted as a woman letting a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. I hope karma has rewarded her good deed many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.