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During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured I would book a place to stay when I arrived, but when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes 24 hours. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the evening in a place that was open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next day, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place because a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and asked whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on the ground at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: one filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location and secure for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman letting a guy she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under my own unawareness and did not consider to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – but still very grateful.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of generosity. I hope life has repaid her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.