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Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass those hours in an establishment that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition to succeed at an interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost because a woman saw me walking aimlessly through downtown and inquired if everything was alright. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on the floor at her university residence at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my my interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: one of the stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. I had access to a hot shower and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took as a young woman inviting a male stranger she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending that university, and I never saw her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of kindness. I hope life has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more people who show such kindness.