🔗 Share this article An Story of Unexpected Kindness: The Time a University Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Ground Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I assumed to book accommodation after getting there, however upon reaching the city, a big convention was happening and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies. As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of the casino, believing it was a place to spend the night in an establishment that was open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next morning, however, being 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 woman spotted me wandering around the city center and wondered if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her evening job. I had access to a hot shower and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night. With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman letting a man she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she offered that help – but still very grateful. I never did attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish karma has returned her generosity many times over. We could all use more individuals like that woman.