🔗 Share this article

Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book accommodation upon arrival, however when I arrived, a large conference was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but soon learned Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I hopped on a bus into town and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend the evening in a place operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place as a female student spotted me loitering in the city center and wondered whether I needed help. I explained my situation and immediately she suggested I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – which was perfect, as that’s where my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: a leftover sandwiches she had from her evening job. I had access to warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook being a woman letting a man she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of generosity. I hope karma has rewarded her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more individuals like that woman.