Another Malaysian.

This morning, I had breakfast with a Malaysian who has spent a good eight years in the US. The International Center at Drake connected us. Fabian got in touch with Gretchen who is the Director of the International Center at Drake. Gretchen said that Fabian reminded her a lot of me which in many ways is true. He went to the University of Iowa majoring in Communication and English. Presently he's working for the zoo as an educator. It was unbelievably refreshing to speak to Fabian. There's a lot we share in common - he's Catholic, loves it here in Iowa and is planning on staying as long as he can, is an introvert who does not mind being alone, and most importantly feels a strong desire to give back to the community that has embraced him.

His work visa will be expiring in February 2008 and he's mulling different options that will enable him to stay here in Iowa for good. Chances are he'll probably go back to school and get a Master's degree from Drake. That way, he'll be able to hopefully apply for a job with a company that is willing to sponsor his green card.

The thing that aches me so much is why in the world does the US government make it so difficult for people like Fabian and I to stay in this country? I've mentioned this before, but it's as if the immigration process is meant to "weed" out the weak who either financially are unable to afford the process or those who are so frustrated by the process that they just give up. Sad, it's very, very sad.

I told Fabian to give me a call if I can be of any assistance to him and I most certainly wish him nothing but the very best. He's a really neat guy.

On an entirely different note, I will be picking up a number of new, incoming Malaysian transfer students on Tuesday. Gretchen had asked me if I was willing, and I said most certainly. I hear there are close to twenty new Malaysians arriving for the spring semester and almost all of them are majoring in Actuarial Science which is not a surprise at all. Drake and the International Center did so much for me during my time at Drake that it's only right that I start giving back. At the very least, I can have a brief "Malaysian Experience" with these students!