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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a major event was taking place and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Not knowing how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours somewhere that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

We could all use more people who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared out of place since a woman spotted me loitering in the city and asked if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I could crash on the ground at her university residence at the Australian National University – which was perfect, given that my my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: one of the filled rolls she brought back her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me what a big chance she undertook as a woman inviting a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. At that time I was in my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – and remain very grateful.

I never did study at ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her generosity abundantly. The world needs more people like that woman.