A Story of Surprising Kindness: The Time a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dorm Floor

Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to arrange accommodation after getting there, yet once I got there, a major event was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.

As a visitor from Singapore, I thought the possibility of bed down in the terminal – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and growing worried, I boarded public transport and started wandering in the direction of the casino, thinking I could pass those hours in a place that was open through the night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for nailing a crucial interview the following day, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed lost since a young woman noticed me wandering around the city and asked whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on the ground of her dormitory at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: a leftover stuffed baguettes she brought back her part-time job. I was able to use a hot shower and a secure location and safe for the evening.

With hindsight, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman allowing a guy she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did study at the Australian National University, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, but I’ve never forgotten her selfless deed of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her good deed tenfold. Our society requires more people who show such kindness.