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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to book a place to stay upon arrival, but upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open 24 hours. With no idea how to proceed and growing worried, I caught public transport and started wandering towards the casino, believing it was a place to spend the evening somewhere that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused since a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city and asked if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and immediately she suggested I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. I was able to use the bathroom and a secure location and secure for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, it astounds me she offered that help – but still very grateful.

I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. I hope the universe has repaid her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.