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Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book lodging upon arrival, yet once I got there, a major event was happening and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend those hours in a place operating 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for acing the admissions interview the following day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost because a woman spotted me loitering in the city and asked if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I could sleep on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had from her evening job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted as a young woman letting a man she’d just met stay in her room. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – and remain very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. I hope life has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more folks who show such kindness.