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During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I assumed to book accommodation after getting there, however when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a bus into town and started wandering near a gaming venue, believing I could pass the night in a place that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused as a female student noticed me loitering in the city and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor at her university residence at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the stuffed baguettes she had from her work shift. I was able to use a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe to spend the night.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she undertook being a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she offered that help – and remain incredibly thankful.

I never did go to that university, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. I hope life has repaid her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more people like that woman.