An Story of Unexpected Generosity: The Time a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Floor

During the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange lodging upon arrival, however when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

Coming from Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the terminal – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, closes around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and growing worried, I hopped on public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the night in an establishment that stayed open 24/7. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared confused as a woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city center and inquired whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I could crash on the ground at her university residence at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, considering that was where the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to spend the night.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met crash at her place. In those days I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she offered that help – but still incredibly thankful.

I never did go to ANU, and I never saw the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.