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Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured to arrange lodging after getting there, but when I arrived, a major event was taking place and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but quickly found that airport, not like the one back home, closes around the clock. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on public transport and began walking towards the casino, thinking I could pass those hours in a place that was open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at a crucial interview the following day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost as a woman saw me loitering in downtown and asked whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my my interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering some food: one stuffed baguettes she had from her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location and secure to spend the night.

Looking back, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has returned her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.