🔗 Share this article A Account of Surprising Kindness: The Time a University Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dormitory Floor During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to book accommodation after getting there, however upon reaching the city, a large conference was happening and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies. Hailing from Singapore, I considered maybe I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. With no idea how to proceed and growing worried, I caught public transport and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, believing I could pass the night in an establishment that was open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for nailing an interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible. The world needs more people like that woman. I must have looked lost since a female student saw me wandering around the city center and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location and safe for the evening. In retrospect, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a young woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – and remain incredibly thankful. I never did study at ANU, and I lost touch with her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish the universe has repaid her generosity many times over. We could all use more people like that woman.