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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured I would book lodging upon arrival, but when I arrived, a big convention was in town and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting towards the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment operating 24/7. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at an interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost since a young woman spotted me wandering around the city and asked whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and right away she said I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my my interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: a leftover filled rolls she had from her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman letting a male stranger she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not go to ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. I hope life has rewarded her good deed many times over. We could all use more folks like that woman.