An Account of Unexpected Kindness: When a University Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dormitory Ground
During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to book accommodation when I arrived, however once I got there, a big convention was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.
Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could just sleep at the airport – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes all night. Unsure of what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, believing I could pass those hours in an establishment that stayed open all night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, but as a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
We could all use more folks with such compassion.
It seems I seemed out of place because a young woman saw me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on the floor at her university residence at the local university – which was perfect, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover sandwiches she brought back her evening job. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.
With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she accepted being a woman allowing a guy she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, I’m amazed she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.
I never did attending the Australian National University, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of human compassion. My sincere desire is that karma has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more individuals like that woman.
