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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 after getting there, yet when I arrived, a big convention was happening and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and started wandering towards the casino, believing I might spend those hours in an establishment that was open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for nailing a crucial interview the next day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a woman saw me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand what a big chance she undertook as a young woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I’m amazed she offered that help – yet very grateful.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of human compassion. I hope karma has repaid her act of kindness abundantly. We could all use more folks with such compassion.