A Tale of Surprising Generosity: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dorm Floor
Back in 2006, I made a trip to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book lodging after getting there, however once I got there, a large conference was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.
Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate all night. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I boarded a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the night in a place operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.
Our society requires more people who show such kindness.
Apparently, I appeared confused as a female student spotted me wandering around the city and inquired if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I could crash on the ground in her student dorm at ANU – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered a meal: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her work shift. This gave me a hot shower and a secure location and secure for the evening.
With hindsight, it’s clear to me what a big chance she took as a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered crash at her place. At that time I existed within a bubble of male privilege and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, it astounds me she offered that help – and remain deeply appreciative.
Ultimately, I did not study at the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of kindness. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.
