An Account of Unexpected Generosity: The Time a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Floor
During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. My plan was to book accommodation when I arrived, however when I arrived, a large conference was taking place and all the youth hostels and affordable lodging were completely sold out.
As a visitor from Singapore, the idea crossed my mind the possibility of just sleep at the airport – but soon learned the local airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and growing worried, I boarded a city-bound bus and found myself drifting in the direction of the casino, believing I might spend those hours somewhere that stayed open through the night. That wouldn’t put me in the ideal condition for nailing a crucial interview the next day, however, being a cash-strapped student, I couldn’t afford.
The world needs more people with such compassion.
I must have looked lost since a female student noticed me loitering in the city and asked if everything was alright. I recounted the story of my accommodation crisis and without hesitation she said I could crash on the ground of her dormitory at the Australian National University – an ideal turn of events, given that my my medical school interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her part-time job. I had access to the bathroom and a protected spot and secure for the evening.
With hindsight, it’s clear to me the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a woman inviting a guy she had only just encountered crash at her place. In those days I was in my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, I’m amazed she did that – but still incredibly thankful.
Ultimately, I did not study at that university, and I never saw her again, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of generosity. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her good deed abundantly. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.