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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend the night in an establishment that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared lost because a female student saw me loitering in the city center and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and a secure location to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a woman allowing a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending that university, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. It is my wish karma has returned her generosity tenfold. The world needs more folks like that woman.