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Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was I would book a place to stay when I arrived, but when I arrived, a large conference was in town and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could bed down in the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I caught public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the night in a place operating 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for nailing a crucial interview the next day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused as a female student noticed me loitering in the city and inquired if I was OK. I explained my predicament and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my my interview was the following day. She even offered some food: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to sleep.

Looking back, I now understand what a big chance she took as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of generosity. My sincere desire is that the universe has returned her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more folks like that woman.