A Account of Unexpected Kindness: When a University Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dormitory Ground
Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was I would book accommodation when I arrived, however when I arrived, a large conference was in town and every single backpackers hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.
Hailing from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open all night. With no idea how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I caught public transport and started wandering near the casino, believing I could pass the evening in a place that stayed open all night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak to succeed at the admissions interview the following day, but as a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.
Apparently, I appeared lost since a female student spotted me wandering around the city center and asked if everything was alright. I recounted my situation and immediately she suggested I was welcome to sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering me some free dinner: a leftover filled rolls she had from her evening job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest for the evening.
In retrospect, I can appreciate the enormous leap of faith she undertook being a woman letting a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. Back then I was in my own unawareness and was oblivious about things like that. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain incredibly thankful.
Ultimately, I did not go to ANU, and I never saw that kind stranger again, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of human compassion. My sincere desire is that life has returned her generosity many times over. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.
