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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book lodging upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking near the casino, believing I might spend the evening in a place operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape to succeed at a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more folks who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed lost since a woman noticed me wandering around the city and asked if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I could crash on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had from her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and a secure location and secure to spend the night.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she took being a woman allowing a man she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope karma has returned her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.