Randy Pausch The Last Lecture
If you haven’t heard of Randy Pausch yet, shame on YOU!
Randy Pausch is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. In my eyes he is someone to look up to, his willingness and determination is incredible. Before Randy found out about his disease he was asked to give a lecture; not just any lecture - “a last lecture.” These were common lectures given to inspire students and visitors.
Randy then learned about his unfortunate diagnosis, he contemplated about giving his speech that he was determined to give. He realized that he needed to give this “last lecture” for just that reason. It was going to be HIS LAST LECTURE. His last time to do what he loves, explain his feelings, give something back, make an imprint on the world, leave something behind for his very young children to remember him by.
If you missed the speech it is available on youtube and at the site linked below and worth the entire 70 minutes of your time. You will laugh, cry, and truly be inspired. I can GUARANTEE that. He also has a website where he posts his day-to-day updates as frequently as he can. He wrote a #1 best selling book about battling cancer.
I have personally started reading this book that I have been desperately trying to get at various bookstores and finally managed to get a copy. Within the first two pages I was already in tears. I am only 20 pages into the book and I predict many tears to come. When I was at the particular bookstore where I purchased a copy it was still in the top 10 best sellers lists.
His story was on one of the major networks one night with Diane Sawyer and was indescribable about how moving it was. His story has made a difference in my life. I realize that there is always the chance that there may not be a tomorrow…and the saying “live like today was your last.” But do people listen? I will admit to in the past saying, “Oh I’ll get to it” or “I would love to go to Disney sometime down the road, but not now I’m too busy.” Randy said that if he hasn’t done what he did by now that it really wasn’t important to him.
The Last Lecture should be watched throughout schools across the country, if it isn’t already. I know that I was introduced to his story through my Leadership/Management class. I will keep you updated on my thoughts regarding the book.
ADVICE: GO OUT & BUY IT!