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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book a place to stay when I arrived, yet upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes around the clock. Not knowing how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a bus into town and started wandering towards a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the evening in a place that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, but as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a woman spotted me loitering in downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I explained my predicament and right away she said I could crash on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her work shift. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – and remain incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. I hope the universe has repaid her generosity abundantly. We could all use more individuals with such compassion.