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Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book a place to stay after getting there, yet once I got there, a large conference was happening and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Not knowing how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours in a place that stayed open through the night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for nailing the admissions interview the next day, but as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused since a young woman spotted me loitering in downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I explained my predicament and immediately she said I was welcome to sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where my interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman allowing a male stranger she’d just met stay in her room. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she offered that help – and remain deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has rewarded her generosity tenfold. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.