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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging after getting there, yet when I arrived, a big convention was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and began walking towards a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours in a place that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing the admissions interview the following day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost because a young woman spotted me loitering in the city and asked if I was OK. I explained my predicament and right away she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand what a big chance she accepted as a young woman inviting a male stranger who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – yet very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not attending that university, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has returned her act of kindness abundantly. We could all use more people like that woman.