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Back in 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange lodging when I arrived, yet when I arrived, a big convention was in town and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate all night. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening in a place that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing an interview the following day, but as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place as a woman spotted me walking aimlessly through downtown and inquired if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was the following day. She even offered me some free dinner: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted as a woman inviting a guy she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – and remain very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. I hope karma has returned her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more people with such compassion.