An Story of Unexpected Kindness: When a University Student Allowed Me to 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 I would book a place to stay after getting there, but once I got there, a major event was in town and all the budget hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.
As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of bed down in the terminal – only to discover Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and growing worried, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of the casino, thinking it was a place to spend the evening in a place operating 24/7. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for nailing an interview the next morning, but as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.
The world needs more people who show such kindness.
Apparently, I appeared confused since a female student spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and wondered whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she said I could sleep on the floor of her dormitory at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where my medical school interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering some food: one of the stuffed baguettes she had from her evening job. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot and safe for the evening.
With hindsight, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she accepted as a young woman letting a man she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under my own unawareness and was oblivious to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – but still deeply appreciative.
I didn’t end up go to that university, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of kindness. My sincere desire is that life has repaid her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more individuals like that woman.
