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Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book a place to stay after getting there, yet once I got there, a big convention was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate all night. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking near a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the evening in an establishment that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks like that woman.

I must have looked confused since a woman spotted me wandering around the city and asked if I was OK. I explained my situation and right away she said I could crash on the floor at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, as that’s where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – but still very grateful.

I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of generosity. I hope life has returned her good deed many times over. The world needs more folks like that woman.