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Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed I would book lodging after getting there, however when I arrived, a large conference was in town and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours in an establishment that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place because a young woman spotted me wandering around the city and asked if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on the ground at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman inviting a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. My sincere desire is that the universe has rewarded her good deed tenfold. The world needs more folks with such compassion.