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During 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to book lodging upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and found myself drifting near the casino, reasoning I might spend the evening somewhere that was open all night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared lost because a female student noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and asked if I was OK. I recounted my predicament and right away she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the ground at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one sandwiches she brought back her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman letting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did attending that university, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. It is my wish karma has returned her good deed many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.