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During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book accommodation upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was happening and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes all night. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing I might spend the evening somewhere operating all night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the next day, but as a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

I must have looked confused as a female student spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one filled rolls she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and a protected spot to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a young woman allowing a male stranger she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still deeply appreciative.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of kindness. It is my wish life has rewarded her good deed tenfold. We could all use more people who show such kindness.