🔗 Share this article

During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to book a place to stay after getting there, but upon reaching the city, a big convention was in town and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I caught public transport and started wandering near the casino, believing it was a place to spend the night in an establishment operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing an interview the next morning, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more people who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a woman saw me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location and secure to spend the night.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she took as a woman allowing a male stranger who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her generosity tenfold. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.