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During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book a place to stay after getting there, yet when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, believing I might spend the night in an establishment that stayed open all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing the admissions interview the following day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through downtown and asked whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: one filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. I had access to warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate what a big chance she undertook as a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and did not consider about things like that. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she took that chance – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her generosity abundantly. The world needs more folks with such compassion.