A Tale of Surprising Generosity: When a University Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dorm Ground
During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed I would book lodging upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was happening and every single budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.
Coming from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of the casino, reasoning it was a place to spend the night somewhere operating all night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for acing a crucial interview the next day, but as a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
The world needs more folks like that woman.
I must have looked out of place because a female student saw me wandering around the city and asked if everything was alright. I explained my situation and without hesitation she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering some food: one of the filled rolls she brought back her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and a protected spot and safe to sleep.
With hindsight, I now understand what a big chance she accepted as a young woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I existed within my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I’m amazed she offered that help – and remain very grateful.
I never did attending ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish karma has returned her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.
