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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was to book a place to stay when I arrived, but once I got there, a big convention was happening and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open 24 hours. With no idea how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards the casino, reasoning I might spend the night in an establishment that was open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a young woman spotted me wandering around the city and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the significant risk she accepted being a woman letting a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

I never did attending that university, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has returned her act of kindness abundantly. The world needs more folks like that woman.