A Story of Surprising Kindness: The Time a University Student Let Me Stay on Her Dormitory Floor

Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange lodging upon arrival, but once I got there, a large conference was taking place and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend the evening in an establishment that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition to succeed at a crucial interview the following day, however, being a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more folks like that woman.

I must have looked lost because a woman spotted me walking aimlessly through downtown and asked whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she had from her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.

In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook being a woman allowing a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. Back then I was in my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her good deed tenfold. The world needs more people with such compassion.