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During 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book a place to stay when I arrived, however when I arrived, a big convention was taking place and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking near the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening somewhere operating through the night. This was not ideal at my peak for nailing the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost as a young woman saw me loitering in the city center and inquired if I was OK. I shared my situation and without hesitation she said I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one filled rolls she had from her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand what a big chance she accepted as a young woman letting a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish life has repaid her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more people with such compassion.