An Tale of Surprising Kindness: When a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dorm Floor
During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to arrange accommodation after getting there, but upon reaching the city, a major event was taking place and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging were fully booked.
As a visitor from Singapore, I considered the possibility of spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found the local airport, not like the one back home, closes 24 hours. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on public transport and found myself drifting near the casino, thinking I could pass the evening in a place that was open all night. Admittedly, this plan in the ideal condition for acing the admissions interview the next morning, yet, as a cash-strapped student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
We could all use more people who show such kindness.
Apparently, I appeared out of place since a woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city and wondered if I was OK. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I could crash on the floor at her university residence at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided a meal: a leftover stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and somewhere safe and safe to sleep.
Looking back, it’s clear to me what a big chance she took being a woman inviting a male stranger she’d just met crash at her place. Back then I operated under a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. Now, as a father, it astounds me she took that chance – yet deeply appreciative.
I never did study at that university, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that the universe has returned her act of kindness abundantly. We could all use more folks with such compassion.
