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Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed I would book lodging after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting towards the casino, reasoning I could pass those hours in an establishment that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more folks like that woman.

It seems I seemed lost since a woman saw me wandering around the city center and wondered if I was OK. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she said I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and a secure location and safe for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a man she’d just met crash at her place. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she offered that help – and remain deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not study at the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope life has returned her generosity many times over. We could all use more people with such compassion.