A Account of Unexpected Generosity: The Time a Student Allowed Me to Sleep on Her Dorm Floor

During the year 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured I would book a place to stay upon arrival, but when I arrived, a major event was in town and all the youth hostels and cheap hotels were fully booked.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind maybe I could bed down in the airport – but soon learned that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate all night. Unsure of how to proceed and feeling increasingly desperate, I boarded a city-bound bus and began walking in the direction of the casino, reasoning I might spend the evening in an establishment operating through the night. Admittedly, this plan at my peak for acing a crucial interview the next morning, yet, as a broke student, I couldn’t afford.

We could all use more individuals who show such kindness.

It seems I seemed lost as a young woman saw me loitering in the city and wondered if I was OK. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she offered I could sleep on the ground at her university residence at ANU – a perfect solution, as that’s where the important interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one sandwiches she had taken home her part-time job. I was able to use warm shower facilities and somewhere safe and safe for the evening.

Looking back, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a young woman inviting a male stranger who was a complete stranger crash at her place. In those days I was in a bubble of male privilege and not even thinking to the potential danger. Now, as a father, I am astonished she took that chance – but still very grateful.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I never saw the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind that incredible gesture of generosity. It is my wish life has returned her generosity many times over. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.