An Story of Surprising Kindness: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dorm Floor
During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book lodging when I arrived, yet when I arrived, a big convention was in town and every single backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.
Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could just sleep at the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Not knowing what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, thinking I might spend the night in an establishment that stayed open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing the admissions interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
Our society requires more people like that woman.
Apparently, I appeared confused as a young woman saw me wandering around the city center and inquired if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on the floor at her university residence at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering a meal: one sandwiches she brought back her work shift. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to spend the night.
With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. At that time I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.
Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. It is my wish karma has rewarded her generosity many times over. Our society requires more people with such compassion.
