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Back in 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed to arrange a place to stay after getting there, however once I got there, a big convention was happening and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open 24 hours. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and started wandering near the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening somewhere that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for acing an interview the next day, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people like that woman.

I must have looked confused because a young woman noticed me loitering in the city center and inquired if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and right away she said I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided some food: one sandwiches she brought back her work shift. I was able to use a hot shower and a protected spot and secure for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman letting a male stranger she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at that university, and I never saw the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish life has repaid her act of kindness many times over. The world needs more people with such compassion.