An Tale of Surprising Generosity: The Time a Student Let Me Stay on Her Dorm Ground

During 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to book accommodation upon arrival, however upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering near a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours in a place that stayed open 24/7. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the following day, yet, as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people with such compassion.

Apparently, I appeared confused as a woman spotted me wandering around the city center and inquired if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on the ground at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she had from her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she took as a woman letting a guy who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – but still very grateful.

I never did study at ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. My sincere desire is that life has rewarded her good deed abundantly. We could all use more people who show such kindness.