An Tale of Surprising Kindness: The Time a University Student Let Me Stay on Her Dormitory Floor

Back in the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I assumed I would book lodging after getting there, yet once I got there, a major event was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded public transport and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the night in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape for nailing an interview the next day, yet, as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared lost as a young woman noticed me loitering in downtown and asked if everything was alright. I explained my situation and without hesitation she said I could crash 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 even offered some food: one of the filled rolls she had from her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman inviting a man she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I existed within my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – and remain incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that the universe has returned her generosity tenfold. The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.