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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book accommodation when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a big convention was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open all night. Not knowing how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a bus into town and started wandering towards the casino, thinking I could pass the night in an establishment that stayed open all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing the admissions interview the following day, however, being a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared out of place because a female student saw me walking aimlessly through the city and asked whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and right away she suggested I could sleep on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, I now understand what a big chance she took as a young woman inviting a guy she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I existed within my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – yet deeply appreciative.

I never did study at ANU, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish the universe has repaid her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more folks with such compassion.