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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I assumed to book lodging upon arrival, but once I got there, a large conference was happening and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, not like the one back home, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment operating 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more folks with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused since a female student saw me walking aimlessly through the city and inquired if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – which was perfect, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her evening job. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman letting a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I was in my own unawareness and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she did that – but still very grateful.

I never did attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her generosity tenfold. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.