A Tale of Surprising Generosity: The Time a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Ground

Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I assumed to book a place to stay when I arrived, but when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.

Coming from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the terminal – but soon learned that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, does not operate around the clock. Unsure of quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and began walking in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend those hours in a place operating through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing an interview the next day, but as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more people like that woman.

Apparently, I appeared confused as a young woman noticed me loitering in the city and asked if everything was alright. I recounted my predicament and without hesitation she said I could sleep on the floor in her student dorm at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was the following day. She went further by offering some food: one sandwiches she had from her evening job. This gave me the bathroom and a secure location and secure to sleep.

With hindsight, I now understand the significant risk she undertook as a young woman allowing a man she’d just met stay in her room. Back then I was in my own unawareness and did not consider to such safety concerns. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not go to ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her amazing act of kindness. I hope the universe has rewarded her act of kindness abundantly. We could all use more individuals like that woman.