A Story of Unexpected Generosity: When a Student Let Me Stay on Her Dormitory Ground

During 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured to arrange a place to stay upon arrival, but once I got there, a major event was happening and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate 24 hours. With no idea how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and began walking in the direction of the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the evening in a place operating through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

I must have looked lost because a young woman saw me wandering around the city and wondered whether I needed help. I shared my situation and without hesitation she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location and safe to sleep.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a young woman inviting a male stranger who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – yet very grateful.

I never did go to ANU, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope the universe has returned her good deed abundantly. The world needs more people like that woman.