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Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging after getting there, however when I arrived, a major event was happening and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking in the direction of the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening in a place that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing the admissions interview the next morning, but as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed lost since a young woman noticed me loitering in downtown and asked whether I needed help. I shared my predicament and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her evening job. I had access to a hot shower and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, I can appreciate what a big chance she accepted being a woman letting a guy she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. My sincere desire is that life has returned her act of kindness abundantly. We could all use more folks like that woman.