A Story of Surprising Generosity: When a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Ground
During 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book a place to stay upon arrival, but upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were completely sold out.
Coming from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a bus into town and started wandering towards the casino, reasoning I could pass those hours in a place operating 24/7. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at a crucial interview the following day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
Our society requires more people like that woman.
It seems I seemed out of place as a female student noticed me loitering in downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on the floor in her student dorm at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her work shift. I had access to warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to spend the night.
With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she accepted being a woman inviting a guy she’d just met sleep on her floor. Back then I existed within my own unawareness and not even thinking to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.
Ultimately, I did not study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but her act remains etched in my mind her selfless deed of generosity. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her act of kindness abundantly. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.