Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book accommodation after getting there, yet once I got there, a major event was in town and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.
Coming from Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – only to discover the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open 24 hours. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and began walking in the direction of a gaming venue, thinking it was a place to spend the night in an establishment that stayed open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the next day, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.
Our society requires more folks with such compassion.
It seems I seemed confused since a woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and asked if I was OK. I explained my situation and right away she offered I could crash on the floor of her dormitory at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview was the following day. She went further by offering a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had from her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe to spend the night.
In retrospect, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a young woman allowing a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she offered that help – but still very grateful.
I never did go to that university, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish karma has returned her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more individuals like that woman.
