Back in 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured I would book lodging when I arrived, however once I got there, a major event was in town and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.
Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. Not knowing how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and started wandering near a gaming venue, believing I might spend the evening somewhere that was open 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.
The world needs more people with such compassion.
I must have looked out of place because a woman saw me walking aimlessly through the city and asked if I was OK. I recounted my predicament and immediately she said I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one of the filled rolls she had from her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.
With hindsight, I can appreciate what a big chance she accepted as a young woman inviting a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she offered that help – yet very grateful.
Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I lost touch with her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has returned her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.
