Just a while ago, I have received an email from our School Director that would eventually break me, as if I'm a changed person now. Dr. Roy Nirschel had an heart attack and passed away yesterday afternoon. I was in shock, no, I was devastated to hear such news about his passing.
On January 16th 2018, many fellow Broward College students and I gathered around to take part in the "FIU - Your first step to pursue the American Dreams" workshop. We had a chance to meet and talk with representatives from FIU, Florida. It was also our first time meeting Dr. Roy Nirschel, a lovely, charming person that we had such a pleasure to meet. At the end of our workshop, I gathered all my courage to speak with him, to listen to his opinions about my future career path. He listened to what I said intently, and gave me a quick helpful response, then proceeded to give me his business card so that we could keep in touch and contact frequently. I was hoping that he could maybe help me, help us shape our future better than we ourselves ever could on our own. I was ecstatic, I was all over the place, for once, I was more assured of what I could accomplish in life later on, with a bit of help and guidance from an experienced mentor like himself. I looked forward to our next meeting. short wedding of the wedding
Last month, Cong, Truong and I were doing our team research project for Introduction to Customer Service class, interviewing as many managers as we could, in order to gather information and learn from their experiences. After our interaction with Mr. Chuong Nguyen , he introduced us to Dr. Roy and helped us schedule an interview with him. On March 7th 2018, we were very amazed how down-to-earth, such a kind spirit he was. We immediately felt some sort of strong bond between us even though we had only just met...twice! He shared with us a lot of wisdom, surprised us with some rather cheesy jokes here and there during our meeting. We enjoyed every bit of the interview with this delightful, joyful, amiable man. Though our time was brief, we were ever so grateful to be given that opportunity, to talk and interact with Dr. Roy personally, without the slightest thought that it would be our few last chances to do so.
On March 19th 2018, it was almost like fate we were to meet again during a visit to our campus for VIP Investors, in which, many of my fellow colleagues and I from Student Ambassador Team supported along with the school staff members. At one point, I remembered him wanting to help contribute his old books to our school charity for the poor. As the trip ended, we took part in a small survey where we filled out our preferences, conditions we'd love to adapt to for our future transfer locations. Many of us wrote down our emails hoping to get a response or a solid advice from our dearest of mentors. Things were looking up for us; I felt hopeful and eager to see what the future beholds.
Reading our School Director's email, I can't help but stop whatever I was doing for a moment, refrain myself from welling up in tears. Now this is where the regret rushes through my veins. Not that I feel pity, I feel guilty. All the wishes, the "could have"s and "should have"s. If I had spent more time talking to him via email, asking about his life, his health, maybe how things were going for him. I wish I paid a bit more attention to the people that meant so much to me, despite only knowing in such a short time span. I should have done better and had much more courage to keep in touch with him more often, but not too much that it would bother him. But. The inevitable has happened. There are no setbacks. Now I can only learn from my mistakes and become a better me.
Dr. Roy Joseph Nirschel was a sweet sweet soul and we are forever thankful, forever grateful to have met such a loving person like him despite limited time. We will always cherish our small memories and time spent together both on and off campus. Dr. Roy will always be in our hearts as a compassionate, charming man who is willing to help students and colleagues as much as time gave him. Thank you Mr Chuong Nguyen for having given us chances to meet and talk with him, helping us as much as you could. Thank you Dr. Roy for giving me more hope, more motivation to strive further and for believing in me.
It's time to say goodbye.
Farewell Dr. Roy Joseph Nirschel,
May you rest in peace.

(The following are the photos and videos I took from our school's fanpage, from our interview for the project and from Mr. Chuong)

It looks like you may be having problems playing this video. If so, please try restarting your browser.Close +4