An Account of Unexpected Kindness: The Time a Student Let Me Stay on Her Dorm Ground

Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured I would book lodging after getting there, but once I got there, a major event was taking place and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could bed down in the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the night in an establishment operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the next day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

I must have looked out of place because a female student spotted me loitering in downtown and asked if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at ANU – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe to spend the night.

In retrospect, I now understand what a big chance she took as a woman inviting a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she offered that help – and remain very grateful.

I didn’t end up attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.