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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a major event was taking place and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a bus into town and began walking towards a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass those hours somewhere operating all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at an interview the following day, but as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked lost since a female student saw me loitering in the city and wondered if I was OK. I recounted my predicament and right away she suggested I could crash on the floor at her university residence at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered a meal: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook being a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider about things like that. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – but still very grateful.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I never saw her again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of human compassion. I hope life has repaid her good deed abundantly. The world needs more people who show such kindness.