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During the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange accommodation when I arrived, however when I arrived, a large conference was in town and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate all night. Unsure of how to proceed and growing worried, I hopped on a city-bound bus and started wandering towards a gaming venue, thinking I might spend those hours in a place that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for acing an interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more individuals with such compassion.

I must have looked lost since a female student saw me loitering in downtown and asked if everything was alright. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had from her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand what a big chance she accepted as a young woman allowing a guy she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she offered that help – and remain incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has returned her act of kindness many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.