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During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange a place to stay after getting there, however when I arrived, a big convention was in town and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

As a visitor from Singapore, I considered maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes 24 hours. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of the casino, believing I could pass the night in a place that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal at my peak for nailing a crucial interview the next day, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

I must have looked lost as a woman saw me wandering around downtown and inquired if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I could crash on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she took being a woman allowing a man she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I existed within my male privilege bubble and did not consider to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did study at that university, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. I hope life has rewarded her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.