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During 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging after getting there, but once I got there, a major event was in town and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. Unsure of what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering towards the casino, thinking I might spend those hours somewhere that stayed open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more folks like that woman.

I must have looked lost since a woman spotted me wandering around downtown and inquired whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and immediately she suggested I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at ANU – which was perfect, given that my my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: one of the filled rolls she brought back her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she took being a woman letting a male stranger who was a complete stranger crash at her place. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – yet deeply appreciative.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has returned her good deed tenfold. We could all use more people with such compassion.