🔗 Share this article

Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured I would book a place to stay when I arrived, but once I got there, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the terminal – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening in a place that was open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more individuals with such compassion.

I must have looked confused since a female student noticed me loitering in the city center and wondered if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She even offered me some free dinner: one sandwiches she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location and safe to sleep.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a young woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I was in my own unawareness and did not consider about things like that. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

I never did go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more folks with such compassion.