During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I assumed to arrange accommodation after getting there, however once I got there, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.
As a visitor from Singapore, I considered maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate all night. Unsure of what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a bus into town and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the night in a place operating all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.
The world needs more people who show such kindness.
I must have looked confused because a female student spotted me wandering around the city and asked whether I needed help. I recounted my situation and right away she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.
With hindsight, I can appreciate what a big chance she took as a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. In those days I existed within my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.
I never did attending ANU, and I never saw her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. I hope the universe has returned her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.
