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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured I would book lodging after getting there, yet when I arrived, a big convention was happening and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. Unsure of how to proceed and growing worried, I caught a bus into town and found myself drifting near the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening somewhere that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for acing an interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost since a young woman spotted me wandering around the city and asked if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and a secure location to rest for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman allowing a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I was in my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she offered that help – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.