During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book a place to stay upon arrival, but when I arrived, a major event was happening and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.
Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could bed down in the airport – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes 24 hours. Unsure of what my next move should be and growing worried, I caught public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the evening in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal at my peak for nailing the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
The world needs more folks who show such kindness.
It seems I seemed out of place because a young woman spotted me loitering in the city and asked whether I needed help. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one filled rolls she had from her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to sleep.
In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she accepted as a young woman inviting a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.
I never did study at ANU, and I never saw her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has repaid her generosity tenfold. The world needs more people like that woman.
