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During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange a place to stay after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a major event was happening and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

As a visitor from Singapore, I considered maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. With no idea how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and started wandering towards the casino, thinking I could pass the night in a place that stayed open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for acing an interview the next morning, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked out of place since a woman noticed me wandering around the city and asked if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I existed within my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up go to that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. It is my wish life has rewarded her generosity tenfold. We could all use more people who show such kindness.