Dreams of Inspiration: Remembering Randy Pausch & "The Last Lecture"

          There are people in the world, who not only inspire, but have the ability, to inspire others. In many instances, these people create a lasting wonder in those around them, reaching far, effecting those, even beyond. One of those people, is Randy Pausch, whom, through work ethic, desire, and the love of dreams, left an indefinite impression. His final speech, "The LastLecture", or, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", has been seen by millions, over fifteen million on Youtube alone. Ultimately, his speech helps us to identify elements in our life to achieve success, to realize our potential, and to improve ourselves, professionally – and more importantly – personally.

          Throughout his speech, Pausch, often engages the audience, by way of resonating with them through experiences and anecdotes that are personable, and relating. It's not just the story of a man, correlating events, but a relationship being made with those in the audience, and beyond, with fulfilling lessons, ready to help actualize our potential. From the onset, we're presented with a man whose both funny and witty, consistently making the best of any situation. From the onset, you're ready to engage with him and his oratory.

            Incredibly, his inspiring strength is noted at every stage of his speech, having overcome a wide range of obstacles and adversities, not the which of least being his terminal diagnosis with Cancer, noting, "...If I don't seem as depressed or morose as I should be, sorry to disappoint you." In addition to that, as if it weren't enough, we're welcomed to discussion on overcoming obstacles – which he notes as "brick walls" – through the stories of his triumphs and achievement of dreams are expressed, denoting these adversities that stood in his way, and the methods employed to surpass them, as they exist for a reason, being present, "...to show how badly we want something...they're there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough."

           One of his amazing events that transpired, which combine all of these aforementioned elements together, is his journey to becoming a Disney Imagineer - the amazing talents behind the incredible attractions at Disney Land, as well as Disney World. From his incredible path as a virtual reality 'buff', so-to-speak, he eventually was part of briefing the Secretary of Defense, at the time, on the state of virtual reality – which led to an "in", using Imagineer's materials on virtual reality, as a way to write the briefing, and the later Siggraph article. Ultimately, after his sabbatical at Disney, he became a consultant for Disney Imagineers, for the next ten years, thereafter. Another dream, completed, and another anecdote that drives us, the audience, to realizing the possibility of achieving our own. 

           We take in a lot of personal thoughts from Pausch, and it comes together as a culmination of a mans life, and its setbacks, victories, and ultimately, how that can embolden you, on your own journey. Ultimately, this speech has helped us to better understand Randy Pausch, by getting to know him, his views, his thoughts on the things he practices and preaches, concerning work, and education, and your passions. This is a man whose deeply into sharing, looking for the best in others and helping to bring it forward, and wanting to leave a legacy that empowers others to carry through with their own dreams and passions. That legacy includes, "Alice" - an incredible software, designed to promote computer programming to younger generations, with ease, while providing a fun environment - something used extensively across the United States, in many CS programs, more than 15%, and a wide array of K-12 schools, as of 2009. There's a lot to take away from this speech, doing the work to succeed, and being willing to do what's necessary to pass those "brick walls" in life are paramount, but most of all, as Randy Pausch states, "If you live your life the right way, the Karma will take care of itself – the dreams will come to you." Thanks to him, I reaffirmed my life direction, making a b-line for my own dreams and aspirations. Certainly, words to live by. Thank you.