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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book accommodation when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a major event was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. With no idea how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass the night in a place that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared lost since a female student saw me wandering around the city center and asked if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could crash on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she accepted being a woman allowing a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – yet deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of generosity. I hope karma has repaid her act of kindness abundantly. The world needs more people like that woman.