A Account of Unexpected Generosity: When a Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Ground

Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book accommodation upon arrival, however upon reaching the city, a large conference was in town and every single youth hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

As a visitor from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. With no idea what my next move should be and growing worried, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting near a gaming venue, reasoning I might spend the night in an establishment that was open all night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing an interview the next day, yet, as a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused because a young woman noticed me wandering around downtown and asked if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at ANU – which was perfect, given that my the important interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: one of the sandwiches she brought back her part-time job. This gave me the bathroom and somewhere safe and secure for the evening.

With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she took as a young woman allowing a guy she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – but still incredibly thankful.

Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope karma has repaid her good deed many times over. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.