🔗 Share this article

During 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book lodging after getting there, but upon reaching the city, a big convention was in town and every single budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and began walking near a gaming venue, thinking I might spend the evening somewhere that stayed open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition to succeed at a crucial interview the following day, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more people who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost since a young woman saw me loitering in the city and asked if everything was alright. I shared my situation and right away she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she undertook being a woman inviting a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of generosity. I hope karma has rewarded her generosity abundantly. We could all use more individuals with such compassion.