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Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange accommodation upon arrival, however when I arrived, a large conference was happening and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Unsure of what my next move should be and growing worried, I hopped on a city-bound bus and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the night in a place operating all night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked confused as a female student noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and asked whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at ANU – which was perfect, given that my my interview was the following day. She even offered me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and a protected spot and safe to sleep.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman allowing a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – yet deeply appreciative.

I never did study at that university, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope the universe has repaid her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more individuals like that woman.