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During the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was to book lodging upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. With no idea quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on public transport and began walking in the direction of the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the night somewhere operating 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more folks like that woman.

I must have looked out of place as a young woman noticed me loitering in downtown and inquired if I was OK. I recounted my situation and without hesitation she offered I could crash on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover sandwiches she had from her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to sleep.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – and remain incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope karma has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. The world needs more individuals like that woman.