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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured to arrange a place to stay when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a major event was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of just sleep at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a bus into town and found myself drifting near a gaming venue, believing I could pass the night in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition to succeed at an interview the next morning, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused as a young woman spotted me loitering in downtown and asked if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her work shift. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest to sleep.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she took as a young woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger stay in her room. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – and remain very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I never saw her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has repaid her good deed tenfold. We could all use more individuals with such compassion.