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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed I would book accommodation when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a major event was taking place and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. Unsure of what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours somewhere operating through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks like that woman.

I must have looked confused as a female student noticed me loitering in the city center and inquired if I was OK. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I could crash on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the sandwiches she had from her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman letting a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I existed within my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish life has rewarded her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.