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During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was I would book lodging when I arrived, but once I got there, a major event was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a bus into town and started wandering towards the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment operating all night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

We could all use more people with such compassion.

I must have looked confused because a woman noticed me loitering in the city and asked if everything was alright. I shared my situation and right away she said I could sleep on the floor at her university residence at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: a leftover filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, I can appreciate what a big chance she took as a woman inviting a male stranger who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider about things like that. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I never saw her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that life has rewarded her generosity many times over. Our society requires more people like that woman.