An Tale of Unexpected Kindness: The Time a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dorm Ground

Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book lodging when I arrived, however once I got there, a big convention was taking place and every single budget hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting towards the casino, believing I could pass the evening somewhere operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more individuals with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused as a young woman saw me loitering in the city center and asked whether I needed help. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered some food: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman letting a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I didn’t meet her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. It is my wish karma has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. Our society requires more folks like that woman.