A Tale of Unexpected Generosity: The Time a Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Floor

During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured to book a place to stay upon arrival, however once I got there, a large conference was happening and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking towards the casino, thinking I could pass the evening in a place that was open 24/7. This was not ideal at my peak for acing an interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

I must have looked lost because a female student spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I shared my predicament and right away she offered I could sleep on the floor at her university residence at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: one filled rolls she had from her evening job. I had access to warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, it astounds me she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of kindness. It is my wish karma has repaid her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more people like that woman.