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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange a place to stay when I arrived, however once I got there, a large conference was taking place and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of just sleep at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours somewhere that was open 24/7. This was not ideal in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost since a young woman spotted me loitering in the city center and asked if I was OK. I explained my situation and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, given that my the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she undertook as a woman letting a man who was a complete stranger stay in her room. Back then I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she took that chance – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more people with such compassion.