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Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed I would book lodging after getting there, however once I got there, a major event was in town and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Coming from Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate all night. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded public transport and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend those hours somewhere operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place since a female student spotted me wandering around the city center and asked whether I needed help. I explained my situation and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she had taken home her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I was in a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up study at that university, and I didn’t meet her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope life has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.