“Energy is never created nor destroyed, and I like to think about Mickey’s energy as never being really destroyed,” said first-year Angela Martino. “Mickey’s energy is still very much alive.”

Mickey Ephrath, a sophomore transfer student, passed away on Jan. 7, 2013, in New York City.

Though he was only at Guilford for one semester, he changed lives here.

“You can’t let the harshness of the world f— with your ability to be empathetic,” said Martino on what Mickey taught her.

“For the people he was close with, I don’t think we’ll be forgetting Mickey anytime soon,” said first-year Conor Sastre. “He taught me to be real and say what you think.”

His family can attest that his personality was one of a kind.

“He was a lover not a fighter,” said his mother, Peggy Ephrath in an email interview. “He could not tolerate seeing someone being picked on without trying to help.”

“When he was home from college, he derived great satisfaction from volunteering at two or three homeless shelters in the area,” said his father, Ayre Ephrath.

“His humor and sarcasm … his search for truth, his silliness, everything about him is missed every day,” said his sister, Tricia Ephrath.

Both Martino and Peggy said that his absence left a “Mickey-shaped hole” in their hearts. Those closest to him can never replace the memories they have.

Peggy said that when he was 10, they had a conversation about goals. She encouraged him to choose goals he could reach so as not to get too frustrated.

“That’s not fair,” Mickey replied. “If you only set goals that you know you can reach, then you are not striving hard enough.”

Even when he was only 10 years old, his family marveled at his intelligence.

Ayre remembered being in Israel with Mickey when he was 12, and Mickey pretended to be an explorer at the Dead Sea.

“He was so happy and alive,” said Ayre.

Tricia encourages everyone to be like Mickey.

“He was so determined to see everyone and everything with clear eyes,” said Tricia. “Everyone deserves a chance and the benefit of the doubt.”

Still, Ayre wants Mickey to be an example to other young adults and teenagers dealing with drug abuse like Mickey did and the dangers of it.

“He was beautiful and intelligent,” said Ayre. “Young people tend to feel invincible. Mickey did too.”

“Most likely, the way that he will continue to affect others is through his music,” said Peggy. “He was truly talented.”

She encourages people to look at Mickey’s SoundCloud account where he uploaded a lot of songs that he wrote and sang under the name “Mickey Elevator.”

Mickey will be remembered as an amazing young man who looked for the best in everyone.

Although you are gone, Mickey, Guilford will continue to miss and remember you.