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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I assumed I would book a place to stay after getting there, however when I arrived, a big convention was happening and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the night somewhere that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the following day, but as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared confused as a young woman saw me wandering around the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – which was perfect, as that’s where the important interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she undertook as a woman letting a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, I’m amazed she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. I hope life has repaid her good deed many times over. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.