A Account of Unexpected Kindness: The Time a Student Let Me Stay on Her Dorm Ground
During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured I would book accommodation when I arrived, yet once I got there, a large conference was taking place and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.
As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, thinking I might spend those hours in an establishment operating all night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.
Our society requires more individuals like that woman.
Apparently, I appeared out of place as a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered if I was OK. I explained my situation and without hesitation she offered I could crash on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – which was perfect, given that my the important interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.
In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took as a woman allowing a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – but still incredibly thankful.
I never did study at ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her generosity many times over. We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.
