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During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to book lodging after getting there, but upon reaching the city, a major event was happening and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes all night. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering near a gaming venue, thinking I could pass those hours somewhere that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at a crucial interview the next day, but as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks like that woman.

It seems I seemed lost as a young woman spotted me loitering in the city and inquired if everything was alright. I shared my situation and immediately she said I could crash on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – which was perfect, given that my my medical school interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took as a young woman allowing a man she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I never saw her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of kindness. It is my wish karma has returned her generosity abundantly. We could all use more people like that woman.