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During 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. My plan was I would book accommodation upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, I thought the possibility of just sleep at the airport – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering near a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the night in an establishment that stayed open all night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing the admissions interview the next day, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people who show such kindness.

I must have looked confused since a young woman noticed me wandering around the city and asked if everything was alright. I recounted my situation and immediately she said I could crash on the ground at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: one filled rolls she had from her evening job. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, I can appreciate what a big chance she took as a woman letting a guy she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she did that – and remain incredibly thankful.

I never did attending ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has repaid her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more folks like that woman.