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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange lodging when I arrived, yet when I arrived, a major event was in town and every single budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing I could pass the night somewhere that stayed open 24/7. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the next morning, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.

I must have looked confused as a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted my situation and immediately she said I could sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her work shift. I was able to use the bathroom and a secure location to rest for the evening.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took as a young woman inviting a man she’d just met stay in her room. At that time 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 – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of kindness. It is my wish life has rewarded her good deed tenfold. We could all use more people with such compassion.