A Story of Unexpected Kindness: When a Student Let Me Stay on Her Dormitory Floor
During 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to arrange lodging when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a large conference was taking place and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.
Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I considered perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and started wandering towards a gaming venue, thinking I might spend those hours in an establishment operating all night. This was not ideal at my peak for nailing an interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.
We could all use more folks who show such kindness.
It seems I seemed lost since a female student spotted me loitering in the city and wondered if everything was alright. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I could crash on a spare mattress of her dormitory at the Australian National University – which was perfect, considering that was where my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: a leftover filled rolls she brought back her evening job. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest for the evening.
In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook as a young woman allowing a male stranger who was a complete stranger stay in her room. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.
Ultimately, I did not study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of human compassion. It is my wish life has repaid her act of kindness abundantly. The world needs more people like that woman.
