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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured to book lodging upon arrival, but when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – but soon learned that airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking near the casino, thinking I might spend those hours in a place that stayed open all night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for acing an interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed confused as a young woman saw me loitering in the city center and asked if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could sleep on the ground at her university residence at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman inviting a guy she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I was in my own unawareness and was oblivious to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – but still very grateful.

I never did study at that university, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of generosity. It is my wish the universe has repaid her generosity tenfold. The world needs more people with such compassion.