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Back in 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange accommodation after getting there, however when I arrived, a large conference was happening and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I hopped on a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, thinking I could pass the night in a place that stayed open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan at my peak to succeed at a crucial interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared out of place since a female student noticed me wandering around the city and wondered if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had from her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and a protected spot to rest to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the significant risk she accepted as a woman allowing a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – yet incredibly thankful.

I never did study at that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of generosity. My sincere desire is that the universe has returned her generosity many times over. Our society requires more folks like that woman.