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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange lodging upon arrival, but upon reaching the city, a large conference was taking place and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered maybe I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours in a place operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at an interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more people who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place since a woman noticed me loitering in downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I explained my situation and without hesitation she said I could crash on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman allowing a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under my own unawareness and did not consider about things like that. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – and remain very grateful.

I never did go to that university, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish life has returned her generosity many times over. The world needs more individuals like that woman.