🔗 Share this article An Account of Surprising Kindness: The Time a University Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dorm Ground Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured I would book lodging after getting there, however when I arrived, a big convention was happening and every single budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out. As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and found myself drifting near a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend those hours somewhere operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition to succeed at an interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach. We could all use more people who show such kindness. I must have looked lost as a woman spotted me loitering in the city and asked if I was OK. I explained my situation and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the local university – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location and safe to sleep. Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a young woman letting a man she’d just met stay in her room. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – but still deeply appreciative. I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I never saw the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish the universe has repaid her act of kindness tenfold. We could all use more people with such compassion.