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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed I would book lodging upon arrival, yet once I got there, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. Unsure of what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on public transport and found myself drifting near the casino, believing it was a place to spend the evening somewhere operating all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared out of place because a woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and asked if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on the ground in her student dorm at ANU – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me what a big chance she took being a woman letting a male stranger she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. My sincere desire is that karma has returned her generosity abundantly. We could all use more individuals like that woman.