“Brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it bad enough.” –Randy Pausch
Randy Pausch became an inspiration to millions with his “Last Lecture” titled Really Living your Childhood Dreams, given at Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007. Originally, the lecture was posted of the web so a few colleagues who could not attend in person could view the presentation. However, as word of the inspirational nature of the lecture grew, so did the popularity and following of Randy Pausch. The content of his presentation was published into the book, The Last Lecture, in April of 2008. The book became a New York Times best seller.
Randy was a beloved professor at Carnegie Mellon University who helped pioneer the virtual reality computer programming department at the university. He began his career at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science as an associate professor. While there, he completed sabbaticals at Disney and worked on projects involving interactive computer animation and design. For the last ten years of his life, he was Associate Professor of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction and Design, at Carnegie Mellon University and was also the cofounder of the Entertainment Technology Canter. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2006. The disease took his life on July 25, 2008 at the age of 47.
Although Randy Pausch’s credentials are impressive, it is his innovative teaching methods, pioneering spirit, positive attitude and reflective nature in the face of insurmountable odds that make him a true inspiration. According to his friend, Dr. Gabriel Robins (n.d.), “What is extraordinary about Randy Pausch is not how he died, but how he lived in the face of death.” When Randy was given a diagnosis of three to six months to live, he did not retreat into a corner and wait for the inevitable. Instead he lived everyday with wonder, joy and excitement. To quote his Last Lecture, “I’m dying, and I’m having fun.” This zest for life and the wisdom of his presentation brought him international fame at a time when most would retreat from the spotlight. Millions drew inspiration from his views and his courage. It is these characteristics that defined his leadership.
References:
Pausch, R., & Zaslow, J. (2008). The last lecture. New York, NY: Hyperion
Robins, G. (n.d.). The legacy of Randy Pausch and his lecture videos. Retrieved from http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~robins/Randy/
Randy Pausch. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Pausch
Rose,
ReplyDeleteIt has been awhile since I have thought of Randy Pausch. My stepfather (George) was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in 2006. He was given a month to six weeks to live. In complete denial, George continued to take advantage of every treatment that could possibly extend his life. Like Randy, George gained two more years out of his life then the doctors had predicted. But it was not a glorious, joyful two years. It was two long years of watching a beloved member of our family suffer and live everyday in pain. I remember reading "The Last Lecture" in June of 2008. I was inspired by Randy's lecture and wanted to share the book with my mom. She just couldn't bring herself to read it at the time. I remember saying, "but he is stll alive!" Randy Pausch passed in July of that year and George passed on August 8th, of the same year. They led a similar fight to the end. One leaving his mark on the world, the other leaving a mark on a family. Thanks for the memory. One never knows how they are going to touch another. Peace, Brittney.
The quote you have chosen is so indicative of Randy Pausch's unyielding spirit. Most people view the image of a brick barrier as impenetrable because we so readily believe in limitations. Randy discovered the true meaning of life and its limitless potential while preparing for death. This ironic twist of fate is often necessary to wake people to understanding the true meaning of living.
ReplyDeleteRandy Pausch has inspired many in life and in death. Mike Krzyzewski has inspired and molded many young men throughout his career. He, like Randy Paugh, reveals a passion and zest for life and learning, while appreciating each day he is able to do so.