A Tale of Surprising Kindness: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dorm Ground
During 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange lodging after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a large conference was taking place and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.
Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could spend the night at the airport – but quickly found the local airport, not like the one back home, does not operate 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on public transport and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the evening in a place that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, however, being a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.
I must have looked confused because a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and inquired if I was OK. I shared my predicament and without hesitation she offered I could crash on the floor at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure for the evening.
With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman inviting a guy she’d just met stay in her room. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – but still incredibly thankful.
I didn’t end up study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish karma has rewarded her good deed tenfold. The world needs more folks who show such kindness.
