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During 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange lodging when I arrived, but once I got there, a large conference was happening and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and began walking in the direction of the casino, believing it was a place to spend the night in an establishment that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape for nailing the admissions interview the next day, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more individuals with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused as a female student noticed me wandering around the city and inquired if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview was the following day. She even offered me some free dinner: one filled rolls she brought back her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and a secure location and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted as a young woman allowing a man she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I didn’t meet her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more folks with such compassion.