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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured I would book a place to stay after getting there, yet once I got there, a large conference was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, thinking I could pass those hours in an establishment that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, but as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more people like that woman.

It seems I seemed confused as a woman saw me loitering in the city and asked whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger stay in her room. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, it astounds me she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of generosity. It is my wish life has repaid her generosity tenfold. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.