A Account of Unexpected Generosity: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dorm Floor
During the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for a medical school interview. I figured I would book a place to stay upon arrival, yet once I got there, a major event was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.
Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, not like the one back home, is not open around the clock. Not knowing quite what to do and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and started wandering towards a gaming venue, thinking I might spend the night in a place that was open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing an interview the following day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
We could all use more people with such compassion.
Apparently, I appeared out of place as a female student spotted me wandering around the city center and inquired if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered me some free dinner: one filled rolls she brought back her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe to rest to sleep.
Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she undertook being a woman letting a male stranger who was a complete stranger stay in her room. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.
Ultimately, I did not go to 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 karma has rewarded her act of kindness tenfold. We could all use more folks like that woman.
