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During 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to book accommodation when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a large conference was happening and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the airport – only to discover the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a bus into town and began walking near a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend those hours in a place that stayed open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing an interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared confused since a woman saw me loitering in the city center and wondered if everything was alright. I shared my situation and immediately she said I could crash on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the local university – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure for the evening.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a woman allowing a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I didn’t meet her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of human compassion. It is my wish karma has repaid her good deed abundantly. The world needs more people like that woman.