A Story of Surprising Generosity: When a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Ground

Back in 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for a medical school interview. My plan was I would book accommodation upon arrival, however upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and every single backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – but soon learned that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I caught a bus into town and found myself drifting near the casino, believing it was a place to spend those hours somewhere that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at an interview the next day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

Our society requires more people like that woman.

It seems I seemed out of place since a young woman saw me wandering around downtown and inquired if I was OK. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided some food: one sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and a protected spot to rest to spend the night.

Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a young woman allowing a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. At that time I existed within my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she did that – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.