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During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book accommodation when I arrived, yet when I arrived, a major event was taking place and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. Unsure of quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the night in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks like that woman.

It seems I seemed out of place as a woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city and wondered if I was OK. I explained my situation and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest for the evening.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook as a woman inviting a male stranger who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she offered that help – yet very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish life has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more people like that woman.