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Back in 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging upon arrival, yet once I got there, a big convention was happening and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening somewhere operating 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for acing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more individuals like that woman.

I must have looked lost because a young woman noticed me wandering around downtown and inquired whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and without hesitation she offered I could crash on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: a leftover sandwiches she brought back her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took as a young woman letting a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish karma has returned her generosity abundantly. The world needs more people with such compassion.