A Account of Unexpected Kindness: When a Student Let Me Sleep on Her Dorm Floor
During the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was to arrange lodging when I arrived, however upon reaching the city, a big convention was taking place and every single youth hostels and cheap hotels were completely sold out.
As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but quickly found Canberra airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes around the clock. Not knowing what my next move should be and feeling increasingly desperate, I hopped on a bus into town and found myself drifting in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass those hours in an establishment that stayed open through the night. This was not ideal in the ideal condition for acing the admissions interview the following day, however, being a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.
The world needs more people like that woman.
It seems I seemed lost since a female student saw me walking aimlessly through the city and inquired if everything was alright. I explained my situation and right away she said I was welcome to sleep on the floor of her dormitory at ANU – an ideal turn of events, as that’s where my interview would take place the next morning. Generously, she also provided some food: one stuffed baguettes she had taken home her work shift. This gave me warm shower facilities and a protected spot and secure to spend the night.
In retrospect, I now understand the enormous leap of faith she undertook as a young woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. Back then I operated under my own unawareness and did not consider about things like that. As a dad now, I am astonished she took that chance – and remain deeply appreciative.
Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten her amazing act of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has repaid her good deed tenfold. We could all use more individuals like that woman.
