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During 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was I would book a place to stay when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a large conference was happening and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught a bus into town and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass those hours in an establishment that was open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for nailing an interview the next morning, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared confused since a young woman spotted me wandering around the city center and inquired if everything was alright. I explained my predicament and right away she suggested I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at ANU – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover sandwiches she had from her evening job. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman letting a male stranger she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I existed within my own unawareness and did not consider to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her generosity tenfold. We could all use more folks with such compassion.