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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book a place to stay when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought maybe I could bed down in the airport – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open 24 hours. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and found myself drifting near the casino, believing it was a place to spend the night somewhere operating all night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

I must have looked confused since a woman spotted me wandering around the city center and wondered if everything was alright. I explained my situation and right away she said I could sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower 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 letting a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of generosity. I hope life has repaid her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more individuals like that woman.