🔗 Share this article

Back in 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book a place to stay when I arrived, but once I got there, a large conference was taking place and every single budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – but quickly found the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes 24 hours. Not knowing quite what to do and growing worried, I hopped on public transport and began walking towards the casino, believing I might spend the night somewhere operating all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, but as a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through downtown and inquired whether I needed help. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on the ground at her university residence at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my my interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. I was able to use a hot shower and somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending that university, and I never saw her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.