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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to book lodging when I arrived, however once I got there, a major event was happening and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering near the casino, believing it was a place to spend those hours in an establishment operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the following day, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost because a woman saw me loitering in the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and immediately she offered I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my my interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering some food: a leftover sandwiches she had from her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure for the evening.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman letting a male stranger she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, it astounds me she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of generosity. My sincere desire is that karma has returned her act of kindness many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.