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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed I would book a place to stay upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering towards the casino, reasoning I could pass those hours somewhere that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more people like that woman.

I must have looked out of place since a young woman spotted me wandering around the city and inquired if everything was alright. I explained my situation and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and a secure location and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she accepted being a woman inviting a guy who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.