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During 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed I would book a place to stay after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a major event was happening and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the airport – but quickly found the local airport, not like the one back home, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught public transport and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend the evening somewhere that was open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing an interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed out of place because a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at ANU – which was perfect, considering that was where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered some food: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest to sleep.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted being a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending that university, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope karma has returned her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more folks like that woman.