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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was I would book accommodation after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and began walking in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend the night in a place operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed out of place because a female student noticed me loitering in downtown and inquired if everything was alright. I recounted my situation and immediately she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and a secure location to rest for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she took being a woman letting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of human compassion. My sincere desire is that karma has returned her good deed abundantly. The world needs more folks like that woman.