A Story of Surprising Kindness: The Time a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dorm Ground
Back in 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for a medical school interview. I assumed to arrange accommodation after getting there, but once I got there, a large conference was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.
Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could spend the night at the terminal – only to discover the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, thinking it was a place to spend the night in an establishment that was open 24/7. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the following day, however, being a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.
It seems I seemed lost since a female student saw me walking aimlessly through the city and asked whether I needed help. I explained my predicament and immediately she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one filled rolls she had from her part-time job. I was able to use the bathroom and a secure location and safe for the evening.
In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she took as a young woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she did that – but still incredibly thankful.
I didn’t end up study at ANU, and I lost touch with that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her good deed tenfold. We could all use more individuals with such compassion.
