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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, yet once I got there, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours in an establishment operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing the admissions interview the following day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused as a young woman saw me loitering in downtown and wondered if I was OK. I explained my situation and right away she suggested I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – which was perfect, given that my my interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and a secure location and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman letting a male stranger who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – yet very grateful.

I never did study at ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish life has rewarded her generosity tenfold. The world needs more people with such compassion.