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Back in 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured I would book accommodation when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open all night. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the night somewhere that stayed open 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, but as a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost since a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and asked whether I needed help. I explained my situation and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a young woman inviting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not go to the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.