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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange lodging after getting there, yet once I got there, a big convention was in town and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a bus into town and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass the night somewhere that was open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the next day, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

I must have looked confused because a female student noticed me wandering around downtown and wondered if I was OK. I shared my predicament and immediately she suggested I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she accepted as a young woman letting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to the potential danger. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – but still very grateful.

I didn’t end up attending that university, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish life has returned her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more individuals with such compassion.