🔗 Share this article

During 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was I would book accommodation when I arrived, yet when I arrived, a big convention was taking place and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open 24 hours. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught public transport and began walking near the casino, reasoning I could pass the evening in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

I must have looked lost because a young woman saw me wandering around the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I shared my situation and immediately she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one of the filled rolls she had from her part-time job. This gave me a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.

Looking back, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted being a woman letting a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – yet incredibly thankful.

I never did go to that university, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. I hope life has rewarded her good deed many times over. Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.