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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book a place to stay after getting there, however once I got there, a large conference was happening and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting near a gaming venue, thinking it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at an interview the next day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people like that woman.

I must have looked lost as a woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and wondered whether I needed help. I shared my predicament and immediately she said I could sleep on the ground at her university residence at the local university – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering a meal: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location and safe for the evening.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.

I never did study at that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more people with such compassion.