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During the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book accommodation when I arrived, but when I arrived, a major event was in town and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I hopped on public transport and began walking towards a gaming venue, believing I could pass those hours in an establishment that was open through the night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

The world needs more individuals with such compassion.

I must have looked confused since a woman saw me loitering in the city center and wondered if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering some food: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location to rest for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate what a big chance she took as a young woman letting a male stranger who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain very grateful.

I never did study at ANU, and I lost touch with her again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish life has repaid her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more folks like that woman.