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During 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange lodging upon arrival, however once I got there, a big convention was taking place and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the night in a place operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at a crucial interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

I must have looked out of place as a female student saw me loitering in the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at ANU – which was perfect, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. She even offered some food: one sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a young woman letting a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. It is my wish karma has returned her generosity tenfold. We could all use more people with such compassion.