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Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange accommodation after getting there, however when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the airport – but soon learned that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours somewhere that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared out of place because a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and asked whether I needed help. I shared my predicament and right away she said I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she took being a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. I hope karma has returned her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more people who show such kindness.