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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book accommodation upon arrival, however when I arrived, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

As a visitor from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and began walking towards the casino, reasoning I could pass those hours somewhere operating all night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared lost since a young woman saw me wandering around the city and asked whether I needed help. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, I can appreciate what a big chance she undertook as a young woman inviting a guy who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

I never did study at that university, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her generosity tenfold. We could all use more people with such compassion.