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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book lodging when I arrived, however once I got there, a large conference was in town and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on public transport and started wandering towards the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the night somewhere operating through the night. This was not ideal at my peak for acing the admissions interview the next day, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

I must have looked confused since a female student saw me loitering in the city center and wondered if I was OK. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: one filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her generosity abundantly. The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.