A Account of Unexpected Generosity: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Floor

During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to book accommodation when I arrived, but once I got there, a large conference was taking place and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Coming from Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the airport – only to discover the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open 24 hours. Not knowing what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and started wandering in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend those hours in an establishment that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for acing an interview the following day, but as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost because a young woman noticed me loitering in the city center and inquired if I was OK. I explained my predicament and right away she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided a meal: one stuffed baguettes she had from her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the significant risk she took as a woman letting a male stranger who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. It is my wish life has rewarded her generosity many times over. The world needs more people like that woman.