🔗 Share this article

During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book lodging upon arrival, but upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes all night. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I caught a city-bound bus and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening somewhere operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the following day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place since a female student noticed me loitering in the city and wondered if I was OK. I recounted my situation and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot and secure to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, I am astonished she took that chance – yet very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of generosity. I hope life has returned her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.