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During 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to book accommodation after getting there, yet once I got there, a big convention was taking place and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. Not knowing how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on public transport and started wandering towards the casino, thinking I could pass the night in a place that stayed open 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak for acing the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed lost as a female student saw me loitering in the city center and inquired if I was OK. I recounted my situation and without hesitation she said I could sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my my interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she brought back her evening job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to spend the night.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has returned her good deed abundantly. We could all use more people with such compassion.