A Account of Surprising Generosity: When a University Student Let Me Stay on Her Dormitory Floor

During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to arrange a place to stay after getting there, however when I arrived, a large conference was happening and every single backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from Singapore, I thought perhaps I could bed down in the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open all night. Not knowing quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering towards the casino, believing I could pass the evening in a place that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more individuals who show such kindness.

I must have looked lost because a female student noticed me loitering in the city center and inquired if everything was alright. I recounted my situation and immediately she said I could crash on the floor at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one of the sandwiches she had taken home her evening job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot to rest to sleep.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a woman inviting a male stranger who was a complete stranger stay in her room. Back then I was in my own unawareness and not even thinking to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – but still very grateful.

I never did study at ANU, and I lost touch with her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of generosity. I hope karma has repaid her good deed tenfold. The world needs more folks like that woman.