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During 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book a place to stay when I arrived, but once I got there, a major event was taking place and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. Unsure of what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting near the casino, thinking I could pass the evening in a place operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing an interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused since a young woman spotted me loitering in the city center and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one of the stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and a secure location to rest to sleep.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a woman inviting a guy who was a complete stranger stay in her room. At that time I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – yet incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her generosity many times over. We could all use more individuals like that woman.