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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange accommodation after getting there, yet once I got there, a big convention was in town and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but soon learned Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate all night. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass the evening somewhere that stayed open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed out of place since a female student noticed me loitering in downtown and inquired if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman inviting a male stranger who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I never saw her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. I hope life has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more people with such compassion.