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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book lodging upon arrival, but when I arrived, a major event was taking place and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and began walking near the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the night in a place that stayed open all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak to succeed at an interview the next morning, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place as a woman saw me wandering around the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I could crash on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – a perfect solution, 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 evening job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman letting a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she did that – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. I hope the universe has returned her act of kindness tenfold. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.