🔗 Share this article

Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed I would book lodging upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. With no idea how to proceed and growing worried, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking near a gaming venue, thinking I could pass those hours somewhere that stayed open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at an interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: a leftover filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted being a woman letting a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still very grateful.

I never did go to the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has rewarded her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.