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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was to arrange lodging when I arrived, yet when I arrived, a large conference was in town and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend the evening in a place operating all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing an interview the following day, however, being a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed confused as a young woman saw me loitering in downtown and asked if I was OK. I recounted my situation and right away she suggested I could crash on the ground at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she had from her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure to sleep.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she took as a woman letting a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up go to that university, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that the universe has rewarded her generosity many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.