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Back in the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed to book a place to stay when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a major event was happening and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the terminal – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the night somewhere that was open 24/7. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at an interview the next morning, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused as a female student noticed me wandering around the city center and asked if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the ground at her university residence at ANU – which was perfect, given that my my interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering a meal: one filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot and secure to sleep.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a young woman inviting a male stranger she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she took that chance – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up study at that university, and I lost touch with her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish life has rewarded her good deed tenfold. The world needs more people like that woman.