🔗 Share this article

Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to arrange accommodation after getting there, but upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Coming from Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I caught public transport and found myself drifting towards the casino, thinking I might spend the evening somewhere operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at an interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people like that woman.

I must have looked out of place as a woman noticed me loitering in the city and asked whether I needed help. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could crash on the floor at her university residence at the local university – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she brought back her work shift. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.

Looking back, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman letting a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – yet very grateful.

I didn’t end up attending ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish life has repaid her generosity many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.