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Back in 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book accommodation when I arrived, but once I got there, a big convention was happening and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning I could pass the evening in an establishment that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the following day, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost since a female student noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and inquired if I was OK. I explained my situation and immediately she said I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the sandwiches she brought back her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman allowing a guy she’d just met stay in her room. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I never saw her again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of kindness. I hope the universe has returned her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more people who show such kindness.