A Account of Unexpected Kindness: When a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dorm Floor

Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange lodging after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, believing I could pass the night in an establishment operating all night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing an interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.

I must have looked confused since a young woman saw me wandering around downtown and asked if everything was alright. I explained my situation and right away she suggested I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one sandwiches she had from her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she took as a woman allowing a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I was in my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has repaid her good deed many times over. Our society requires more people with such compassion.