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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, however once I got there, a large conference was in town and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking near a gaming venue, thinking it was a place to spend the night somewhere operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing an interview the next day, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

I must have looked lost since a woman noticed me wandering around the city and inquired if everything was alright. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – which was perfect, given that my my interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe to spend the night.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she took as a woman allowing a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I’m amazed she took that chance – yet incredibly thankful.

I never did go to ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. I hope the universe has rewarded her generosity tenfold. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.