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During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging upon arrival, yet once I got there, a major event was happening and every single budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate all night. Unsure of what my next move should be and growing worried, I caught a city-bound bus and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours in a place that was open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing the admissions interview the next day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked lost since a young woman saw me walking aimlessly through the city center and wondered if I was OK. I recounted my situation and immediately she offered I could sleep on the floor of her dormitory at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location to rest to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman letting a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, I’m amazed she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of human compassion. I hope life has rewarded her generosity tenfold. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.