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Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange accommodation when I arrived, however once I got there, a large conference was in town and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours in a place that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

I must have looked lost as a female student spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – which was perfect, given that my my interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: one of the stuffed baguettes she had taken home her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, I now understand what a big chance she took as a young woman letting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. It is my wish the universe has repaid her generosity many times over. We could all use more individuals with such compassion.