A Story of Unexpected Generosity: When a University Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Floor
Back in 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an admissions interview for medical school. I figured I would book accommodation when I arrived, yet once I got there, a major event was happening and all the budget hostels and budget accommodation were fully booked.
As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought perhaps I could spend the night at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open around the clock. With no idea quite what to do and getting a bit desperate, I boarded public transport and began walking towards the casino, thinking I might spend the night somewhere that stayed open through the night. Admittedly, this plan in the best shape for acing the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a cash-strapped student, a pricey hotel was out of reach.
The world needs more people like that woman.
It seems I seemed out of place because a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through downtown and wondered whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I could sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the Australian National University – which was perfect, as that’s where the important interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided some food: a leftover sandwiches she had from her part-time job. I had access to warm shower facilities and a secure location to rest to sleep.
With hindsight, it’s clear to me the significant risk she undertook being a woman inviting a man who was a complete stranger crash at her place. At that time I was in my male privilege bubble and not even thinking to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she did that – but still very grateful.
I never did study at the Australian National University, and I never saw the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of generosity. My sincere desire is that life has rewarded her generosity many times over. We could all use more people like that woman.
