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During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange accommodation after getting there, however once I got there, a large conference was in town and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. Not knowing how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass those hours somewhere that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared confused because a female student spotted me walking aimlessly through the city and asked whether I needed help. I recounted my situation and right away she said I could sleep on the floor at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she accepted being a woman allowing a guy she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I existed within my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did study at that university, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish karma has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more people with such compassion.