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During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book accommodation upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a major event was taking place and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the airport – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering near a gaming venue, believing I might spend the night somewhere that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a woman noticed me wandering around the city and wondered whether I needed help. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could crash on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: one sandwiches she had from her evening job. I had access to a hot shower and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted as a young woman letting a male stranger who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – and remain incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her generosity many times over. The world needs more folks like that woman.