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Back in 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange a place to stay when I arrived, yet once I got there, a big convention was in town and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting near a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the night somewhere operating all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place since a woman noticed me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered if I was OK. I recounted my predicament and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on the floor at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one sandwiches she had from her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and a protected spot to rest for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has repaid her act of kindness many times over. The world needs more folks with such compassion.