A Tale of Surprising Kindness: When a Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dorm Ground
Back in 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange lodging upon arrival, however once I got there, a large conference was in town and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.
Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, closes around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, thinking I might spend the night in an establishment operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
Our society requires more folks like that woman.
I must have looked out of place as a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city center and inquired if I was OK. I explained my predicament and right away she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the floor at her university residence at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had from her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.
With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman letting a guy she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious about things like that. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – but still very grateful.
Ultimately, I did not attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with her again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of human compassion. I hope life has returned her good deed tenfold. The world needs more folks like that woman.
