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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book accommodation when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a large conference was happening and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering near the casino, thinking I might spend those hours somewhere that stayed open all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing the admissions interview the next day, but as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more people who show such kindness.

I must have looked confused because a female student saw me walking aimlessly through the city and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she took as a young woman letting a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. At that time I was in my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – yet very grateful.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more people like that woman.