Ironic twist of fate

I recall my first year in the graduate chemistry program at Columbia University as a very trying experience.  I was unprepared to handle the advanced coursework required of all entering students.  I performed very poorly on my initial qualifying examinations.  At the end of my first semester, I received a letter from the head of the department stating that my performance was unacceptable, and I would not be allowed to continue in the Ph.D. program unless my progress improved markedly.  I also recall a classmate from Taiwan by who I'll call Qingyun.  He completed his undergraduate work at MIT and was one of most brilliant students I had ever met.  While I was slow to grasp the concepts of Statistical Thermodynamics, and I struggled with the advanced mathematics required to solve the weekly assignments, Qingyun sailed through the course and demonstrated great talent and creativity in the way he approached challenging problems.  I developed a great respect for his scientific insight and admired his technical abilities.

This was the first time I had encountered an academic situation that I could not handle, and I was terrified that I might actually fail out of the graduate program.  I was in over my head, and I was embarrassed to reach out for help.  Nevertheless, Qingyun recognized that I was in trouble, and he showed great kindness and patience in spending time to explain the key concepts and to guide me in solving the most difficult problems on my own.  While I did not do well in Statistical Thermodynamics, it was because of his efforts that I did not fail the course.  By the end of the spring semester, my performance had improved, and I was allowed to pursue a Ph.D. degree.  Qingyun did not have to help me as he did, but I was profoundly grateful for his assistance. 

Years later, I worked at IBM in semiconductor research and development.  I led a team of two hundred scientists, engineers and technicians and was responsible for the engineering activities in a microelectronics development fab.  Soon after I assumed the role, I learned that Qingyun was working as an etch engineer in the organization.  I recalled the help he had provided me as a first year graduate student, and I felt awkward in the role as his superior.  Without his help, I may never have had the opportunity to pursue a doctorate degree.  Without a degree, IBM would never have hired me into the semiconductor development organization, and I would never have enjoyed a fulfilling twenty-three year career with the company.  Privately, I told Qingyun to reach out to me if he needed help, yet the gesture seemed insufficient.  The irony of this situation - it’s funny how things turn out sometimes.