🔗 Share this article

During the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book accommodation upon arrival, however upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found the local airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Unsure of quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and began walking towards a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass those hours somewhere operating 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed out of place since a young woman noticed me loitering in the city center and wondered if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – which was perfect, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover sandwiches she brought back her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook being a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she took that chance – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up go to that university, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. I hope karma has rewarded her generosity tenfold. The world needs more folks who show such kindness.