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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I assumed to book lodging after getting there, but when I arrived, a major event was happening and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking towards a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend those hours somewhere that stayed open all night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost since a female student saw me wandering around the city center and inquired if I was OK. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she offered I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she had from her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took as a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. I hope karma has returned her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more folks like that woman.