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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to book accommodation upon arrival, however once I got there, a large conference was in town and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment that was open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

We could all use more people with such compassion.

I must have looked lost as a female student noticed me loitering in downtown and asked whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at ANU – which was perfect, given that my my interview was the following day. She even offered some food: one stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman inviting a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. At that time I existed within my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up go to that university, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has repaid her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.