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Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange lodging after getting there, but when I arrived, a major event was in town and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and found myself drifting near the casino, believing it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a woman saw me walking aimlessly through downtown and asked if everything was alright. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – which was perfect, considering that was where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering a meal: one filled rolls she brought back her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and a secure location and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman inviting a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up go to that university, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has returned her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.