An Tale of Unexpected Generosity: The Time a University Student Let Me Stay on Her Dorm Ground
During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book a place to stay when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a big convention was happening and all the youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.
As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered maybe I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, is not open 24 hours. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught a city-bound bus and began walking near the casino, thinking I might spend those hours somewhere that was open all night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for acing a crucial interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.
We could all use more folks who show such kindness.
I must have looked out of place because a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and wondered whether I needed help. I recounted my situation and immediately she said I could sleep on a spare mattress at her university residence at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she brought back her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and secure to spend the night.
Looking back, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered stay in her room. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I’m amazed she offered that help – yet deeply appreciative.
Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. My sincere desire is that the universe has repaid her good deed tenfold. The world needs more individuals who show such kindness.
