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During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed I would book accommodation after getting there, however upon reaching the city, a major event was taking place and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could just sleep at the airport – but quickly found that airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I hopped on public transport and started wandering towards the casino, reasoning I might spend those hours somewhere operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place since a female student noticed me wandering around downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on the floor 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 some food: one sandwiches she had from her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest to sleep.

Looking back, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman letting a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to that university, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of human compassion. I hope the universe has repaid her good deed abundantly. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.