Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book accommodation when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a large conference was happening and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.
As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of what my next move should be and growing worried, I caught a city-bound bus and started wandering in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend the evening somewhere that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the next day, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.
The world needs more people with such compassion.
I must have looked out of place because a woman noticed me loitering in downtown and asked if everything was alright. I shared my predicament and right away she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she brought back her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location and secure for the evening.
In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a woman allowing a guy she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.
I didn’t end up study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of human compassion. My sincere desire is that karma has rewarded her generosity abundantly. The world needs more folks who show such kindness.
