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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange accommodation upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate all night. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking towards a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the evening in a place operating all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more people with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a female student spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and wondered if I was OK. I shared my predicament and without hesitation she said I could crash on the floor at her university residence at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where my medical school interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a guy who was a complete stranger stay in her room. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending that university, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more people like that woman.