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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book lodging when I arrived, but once I got there, a major event was happening and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. With no idea what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a bus into town and began walking near the casino, believing I could pass the evening somewhere operating through the night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more folks like that woman.

I must have looked lost because a woman saw me wandering around the city center and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one filled rolls she had from her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a woman allowing a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope life has returned her generosity many times over. The world needs more individuals like that woman.