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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book a place to stay after getting there, but when I arrived, a major event was happening and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Not knowing how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours in a place that stayed open 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at an interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed confused as a female student spotted me wandering around the city and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she took as a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. Back then I was in a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – yet very grateful.

I never did attending that university, and I never saw her again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of generosity. It is my wish karma has returned her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more folks like that woman.