A Account of Surprising Kindness: When a University Student Let Me Stay on Her Dormitory Floor

Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book a place to stay upon arrival, yet upon reaching the city, a large conference was happening and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and found myself drifting near a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend those hours somewhere operating all night. That wouldn’t put me in the best shape for nailing a crucial interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

We could all use more individuals like that woman.

It seems I seemed confused since a young woman spotted me wandering around downtown and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on the ground in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my my interview was the following day. She even offered a meal: one filled rolls she had from her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to sleep.

In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a young woman letting a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she offered that help – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did attending that university, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of generosity. I hope the universe has repaid her good deed many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.