A Account of Surprising Kindness: When a University Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Floor
Back in the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book lodging upon arrival, however once I got there, a big convention was taking place and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.
As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the airport – but quickly found Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting towards the casino, thinking I might spend the night in an establishment that stayed open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape to succeed at an interview the next day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
We could all use more people who show such kindness.
Apparently, I appeared confused since a young woman noticed me loitering in the city center and asked whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I was welcome to sleep on the floor at her university residence at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where my interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the stuffed baguettes she had from her work shift. I had access to warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure to sleep.
In retrospect, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she took being a woman letting a man who was a complete stranger stay in her room. At that time I operated under a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.
I never did study at that university, and I never saw the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of human compassion. My sincere desire is that life has rewarded her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more individuals like that woman.
