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Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange accommodation after getting there, however once I got there, a major event was in town and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. Not knowing how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a bus into town and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the night somewhere that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more folks like that woman.

It seems I seemed out of place as a young woman noticed me wandering around the city and wondered if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on the ground at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: a leftover sandwiches she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

Looking back, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted being a woman letting a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, it astounds me she took that chance – but still very grateful.

I never did study at that university, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish the universe has returned her generosity many times over. We could all use more people with such compassion.