A Account of Surprising Kindness: When a University Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dormitory Ground
During 2006, My journey took me to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured to book lodging after getting there, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was in town and every single backpackers hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.
As a visitor from Singapore, I thought the possibility of spend the night at the airport – only to discover that airport, not like the one back home, does not operate 24 hours. Unsure of how to proceed and getting a bit desperate, I caught a bus into town and started wandering in the direction of a gaming venue, reasoning I could pass the night somewhere that was open 24/7. This was not ideal in the ideal condition to succeed at a crucial interview the next morning, however, being a broke student, luxury accommodation was impossible.
Our society requires more folks with such compassion.
Apparently, I appeared out of place because a female student spotted me wandering around the city center and asked if everything was alright. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she said I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at the local university – a perfect solution, as that’s where the important interview would take place the next morning. She went further by offering some food: a leftover sandwiches she had taken home her work shift. I was able to use a hot shower and somewhere safe to rest for the evening.
With hindsight, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a young woman letting a man who was a complete stranger sleep on her floor. At that time I operated under my male privilege bubble and was oblivious to such safety concerns. As a dad now, it astounds me she took that chance – yet deeply appreciative.
Ultimately, I did not study at ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me that incredible gesture of kindness. My sincere desire is that karma has returned her good deed abundantly. The world needs more individuals with such compassion.
