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Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed to book lodging after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was in town and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, not like the one back home, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a bus into town and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening in a place operating all night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a young woman spotted me wandering around the city and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted my situation and right away she said I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – which was perfect, as that’s where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.