An Story of Surprising Generosity: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dorm Floor
Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. I figured to arrange a place to stay when I arrived, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.
Hailing from Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend those hours somewhere operating all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition to succeed at an interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
We could all use more individuals with such compassion.
It seems I seemed lost as a young woman saw me loitering in downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering a meal: one stuffed baguettes she had from her evening job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to sleep.
In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a young woman allowing a man she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I was in my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I am astonished she offered that help – and remain very grateful.
I never did attending the Australian National University, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that life has returned her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more individuals like that woman.
