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Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed to arrange a place to stay after getting there, yet when I arrived, a large conference was happening and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I caught a bus into town and began walking in the direction of the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the night in a place operating all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people like that woman.

I must have looked confused since a young woman noticed me loitering in the city center and inquired if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: a leftover sandwiches she had from her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot to rest to sleep.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – and remain deeply appreciative.

I never did attending that university, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more folks like that woman.