🔗 Share this article

During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book accommodation upon arrival, yet when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but quickly found that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and began walking near a gaming venue, thinking it was a place to spend those hours in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more folks like that woman.

It seems I seemed lost since a female student noticed me wandering around the city center and asked whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at ANU – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: a leftover sandwiches she had from her part-time job. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the significant risk she accepted being a woman inviting a guy she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she offered that help – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I never saw the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. I hope the universe has rewarded her act of kindness tenfold. The world needs more people like that woman.