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Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed I would book accommodation upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a large conference was happening and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Coming from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. Unsure of what my next move should be and growing worried, I hopped on public transport and started wandering near a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass those hours in an establishment that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused because a woman spotted me wandering around downtown and inquired if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on the ground at her university residence at ANU – which was perfect, given that my the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her good deed tenfold. We could all use more people like that woman.