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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured I would book accommodation upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the terminal – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment that was open 24/7. This was not ideal in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more people who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place as a young woman saw me loitering in the city and asked whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: one sandwiches she had from her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a woman inviting a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I existed within my own unawareness and did not consider to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – and remain incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has returned her act of kindness abundantly. Our society requires more people like that woman.