A Tale of Surprising Generosity: When a University Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dorm Ground
During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book lodging after getting there, but once I got there, a large conference was in town and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.
Coming from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – but soon learned Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate 24 hours. Not knowing how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking in the direction of the casino, believing it was a place to spend the night in a place that was open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing the admissions interview the following day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.
Our society requires more folks like that woman.
Apparently, I appeared out of place as a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I could crash on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she brought back her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.
In retrospect, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted being a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered stay in her room. Back then I existed within a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.
I never did study at the Australian National University, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her generosity tenfold. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.
