A Tale of Unexpected Kindness: When a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Ground
Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I assumed to book lodging after getting there, but when I arrived, a big convention was happening and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.
As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate 24 hours. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and found myself drifting towards the casino, reasoning I might spend the night somewhere that was open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition to succeed at the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford.
We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.
Apparently, I appeared lost since a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and wondered if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she offered I could sleep on the floor of her dormitory at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She even offered some food: one of the filled rolls she brought back her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location and secure to spend the night.
Looking back, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a woman letting a man who was a complete stranger stay in her room. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and did not consider to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she offered that help – yet incredibly thankful.
Ultimately, I did not attending ANU, and I didn’t meet that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. I hope life has repaid her act of kindness abundantly. We could all use more people with such compassion.
