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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. My plan was I would book lodging after getting there, yet once I got there, a major event was happening and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing I could pass the night in a place that was open 24/7. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost as a female student saw me walking aimlessly through downtown and asked if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover sandwiches she had from her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand what a big chance she took being a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she did that – yet deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish life has returned her generosity tenfold. The world needs more folks with such compassion.