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During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured I would book a place to stay when I arrived, but once I got there, a big convention was in town and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and growing worried, I caught a bus into town and found myself drifting towards the casino, believing I might spend those hours somewhere that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next morning, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more people like that woman.

It seems I seemed lost since a young woman saw me loitering in the city and wondered if I was OK. I explained my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering a meal: one of the sandwiches she brought back her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest for the evening.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook being a woman allowing 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 the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – and remain deeply appreciative.

I never did study at ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more folks with such compassion.