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During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed I would book a place to stay upon arrival, however when I arrived, a large conference was in town and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing I might spend those hours somewhere that stayed open all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for nailing an interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed out of place because a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I could crash on the ground at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the filled rolls she had taken home her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot to rest for the evening.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted being a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met crash at her place. At that time I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did go to that university, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope life has returned her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more people who show such kindness.