🔗 Share this article

Back in 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I assumed I would book lodging after getting there, yet when I arrived, a major event was taking place and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering towards the casino, believing it was a place to spend the night in a place operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the following day, however, being a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

I must have looked lost since a female student spotted me loitering in downtown and inquired if I was OK. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had from her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand what a big chance she took as a young woman allowing a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has rewarded her good deed abundantly. We could all use more people with such compassion.