🔗 Share this article An Account of Surprising Generosity: When a Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Ground During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book a place to stay when I arrived, but upon reaching the city, a big convention was in town and every single budget hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out. Hailing from Singapore, I considered perhaps I could spend the night at the airport – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of how to proceed and growing worried, I hopped on public transport and began walking near a gaming venue, believing I might spend the night somewhere that was open through the night. This was not ideal at my peak to succeed at an interview the next day, however, being a broke student, a pricey hotel was out of reach. We could all use more folks with such compassion. I must have looked out of place because a female student spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and asked if I was OK. I shared my situation and right away she offered I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one of the filled rolls she had from her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe to sleep. In retrospect, I now understand the significant risk she accepted as a young woman inviting a guy she’d just met stay in her room. In those days I operated under a bubble of male privilege and did not consider to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she offered that help – and remain deeply appreciative. Ultimately, I did not attending the Australian National University, and I didn’t meet the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that life has returned her good deed tenfold. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.