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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured I would book accommodation after getting there, however when I arrived, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Unsure of how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting near the casino, thinking I might spend the evening in a place that was open all night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared out of place because a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and inquired if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering some food: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman allowing a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. My sincere desire is that the universe has rewarded her good deed many times over. We could all use more individuals like that woman.