🔗 Share this article

Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed I would book accommodation upon arrival, but when I arrived, a major event was happening and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, thinking I might spend the evening somewhere operating 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place since a young woman saw me loitering in downtown and asked if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman letting a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she offered that help – and remain deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more folks with such compassion.