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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I assumed to book a place to stay when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a major event was happening and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. Unsure of what my next move should be and growing worried, I hopped on a bus into town and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, believing I could pass the night in a place that was open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more people who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared confused because a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and immediately she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one of the sandwiches she had from her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, I can appreciate what a big chance she took being a woman inviting a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and did not consider about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

I never did attending ANU, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of human compassion. My sincere desire is that life has returned her generosity abundantly. The world needs more people who show such kindness.