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Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured to book accommodation upon arrival, however when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought maybe I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering towards the casino, thinking I could pass the evening in a place operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused since a female student saw me wandering around downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I explained my situation and immediately she said I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one sandwiches she had from her part-time job. This gave me a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook being a woman letting a man she had only just encountered 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’m amazed she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. It is my wish karma has rewarded her good deed many times over. We could all use more folks with such compassion.