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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book accommodation after getting there, yet once I got there, a major event was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I hopped on a bus into town and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the evening somewhere operating all night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for acing an interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a woman noticed me wandering around the city center and asked whether I needed help. I shared my predicament and right away she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered a meal: one of the stuffed baguettes she had from her evening job. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted as a young woman allowing a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending 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. I hope karma has rewarded her act of kindness abundantly. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.