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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book lodging upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a big convention was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but soon learned that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and began walking in the direction of the casino, believing I might spend those hours somewhere operating all night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at a crucial interview the following day, but as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place as a young woman noticed me wandering around downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could sleep on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, I can appreciate what a big chance she accepted being a woman letting a man she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – and remain incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. I hope the universe has returned her generosity tenfold. We could all use more people with such compassion.