An Story of Unexpected Kindness: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dormitory Floor

During 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, however once I got there, a big convention was in town and every single backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and started wandering in the direction of the casino, thinking it was a place to spend those hours somewhere that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing an interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more folks like that woman.

It seems I seemed out of place since a woman noticed me wandering around the city and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted my situation and without hesitation she offered I could crash on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – which was perfect, given that my my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: one filled rolls she had from her work shift. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location to rest to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I was in my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – but still very grateful.

I never did study at the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope life has repaid her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.