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Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange accommodation when I arrived, yet when I arrived, a big convention was in town and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate all night. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering towards the casino, thinking it was a place to spend those hours in an establishment that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the next day, however, being a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a young woman noticed me wandering around downtown and asked whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and immediately she said I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: one filled rolls she had from her evening job. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate what a big chance she accepted as a woman allowing a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did study at ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope karma has repaid her good deed abundantly. Our society requires more individuals like that woman.