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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed to arrange accommodation upon arrival, however once I got there, a large conference was happening and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – but soon learned that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes all night. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards the casino, thinking it was a place to spend those hours in a place operating 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, but as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed confused because a woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city center and wondered if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on the floor in her student dorm at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the sandwiches she brought back her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman allowing a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I was in my own unawareness and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish life has repaid her good deed tenfold. We could all use more individuals like that woman.