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During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was I would book accommodation after getting there, however once I got there, a large conference was taking place and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded public transport and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours in a place that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed confused as a female student noticed me walking aimlessly through downtown and inquired if I was OK. I explained my situation and right away she suggested I could crash on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she had from her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending that university, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. I hope karma has returned her generosity many times over. We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.