An Tale of Surprising Generosity: When a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Ground

During 2006, I traveled to Canberra for a medical school interview. My plan was I would book accommodation upon arrival, but when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – only to discover the local airport, not like the one back home, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering towards a gaming venue, thinking I could pass the night in an establishment that stayed open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for acing an interview the following day, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared confused since a young woman saw me loitering in downtown and wondered if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I could sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot and secure to spend the night.

With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted as a young woman allowing a guy she’d just met crash at her place. At that time I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. Now, as a father, I am astonished she took that chance – yet deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not go to the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of generosity. I hope the universe has repaid her act of kindness many times over. We could all use more folks like that woman.