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During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange lodging when I arrived, however when I arrived, a big convention was taking place and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the airport – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, thinking I might spend the evening in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the following day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared confused because a female student noticed me wandering around the city center and asked if everything was alright. I shared my situation and right away she offered I could sleep on the ground at her university residence at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – yet very grateful.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of human compassion. I hope karma has returned her good deed many times over. We could all use more individuals like that woman.