A Tale of Surprising Generosity: When a University Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dormitory Ground
During the year 2006, I traveled to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured to book a place to stay after getting there, yet when I arrived, a major event was in town and every single backpackers hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.
As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, the idea crossed my mind perhaps I could just sleep at the terminal – only to discover that airport, unlike Singapore’s, is not open around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and started wandering near a gaming venue, believing it was a place to spend the night in a place that stayed open all night. This was not ideal in the best shape for acing a crucial interview the next morning, but as a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
Our society requires more people who show such kindness.
I must have looked confused because a young woman noticed me walking aimlessly through the city and inquired whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and right away she suggested I could crash on the floor at her university residence at the Australian National University – a perfect solution, considering that was where the important interview was scheduled for the next day. Generously, she also provided a meal: a leftover sandwiches she brought back her part-time job. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot and safe to spend the night.
In retrospect, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook as a young woman inviting a man she’d just met crash at her place. At that time I was in a bubble of male privilege and was oblivious to the potential danger. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – yet incredibly thankful.
I didn’t end up go to ANU, and I lost touch with her again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of kindness. It is my wish the universe has rewarded her generosity abundantly. Our society requires more folks with such compassion.
