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Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, but upon reaching the city, a major event was happening and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of just sleep at the airport – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and began walking towards a gaming venue, thinking I could pass those hours somewhere that was open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared out of place as a young woman spotted me loitering in the city and wondered whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – which was perfect, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one sandwiches she brought back her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she took as a young woman inviting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. I hope the universe has repaid her generosity many times over. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.