An Tale of Unexpected Generosity: When a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dorm Floor

During 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange a place to stay after getting there, but once I got there, a big convention was happening and every single budget hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, I thought maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend those hours in a place operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more folks with such compassion.

It seems I seemed lost as a woman spotted me loitering in the city center and inquired if I was OK. I recounted my situation and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the ground of her dormitory at ANU – which was perfect, considering that was where my interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one of the stuffed baguettes she had from her work shift. I had access to warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure to spend the night.

Looking back, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered crash at her place. At that time I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, it astounds me she offered that help – but still very grateful.

I didn’t end up study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. I hope karma has rewarded her generosity tenfold. Our society requires more people who show such kindness.