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Back in 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange lodging after getting there, however once I got there, a big convention was in town and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught a bus into town and started wandering towards the casino, reasoning I could pass the night in a place that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape for nailing the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost since a young woman noticed me loitering in downtown and asked if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could sleep on the floor at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot and safe to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman allowing a guy she’d just met stay in her room. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that karma has rewarded her act of kindness abundantly. The world needs more individuals like that woman.