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During 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book lodging after getting there, yet when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. With no idea what my next move should be and growing worried, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting near the casino, thinking I could pass the evening in a place that stayed open 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak for acing a crucial interview the following day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people like that woman.

I must have looked lost as a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through downtown and asked whether I needed help. I explained my situation and immediately she suggested I could crash on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one of the sandwiches she brought back her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and a secure location to rest for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman inviting a guy she’d just met stay in her room. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her good deed many times over. The world needs more folks with such compassion.