Randy Pausch - Grade: A PDF

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A paper discussing the Ted Talk about Randy Pausch and his impact....

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Randy Pausch once stated, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, but we can change the way we play the hand.” This is a quote that certainly speaks true to what being diagnosed with a terminal illness is like. In his last lecture, Pausch discussed his childhood dreams, enabling the dreams of others, and lessons he has learned. Randy Pausch delivered the news that he was dying of pancreatic cancer, with a time frame of 3-6 months left. Pausch spoke about his childhood with boy joy and enthusiasm. Randy distinctively said that there were never any pictures of him growing up, where he was not smiling. He stated that some of his dreams were: playing in the NFL, being able to experience zero gravity, being Captain Kirk, winning stuffed animals at the fair, writing for the Encyclopedia Word Book, and being a Disney engineer. After listing these, he then took the listeners on a journey as to what it was like to have his dreams. When I was growing up, I had many dreams as well. Some of my aspirations included: wanting to be a professional basketball player, owning a unicorn, and becoming a princess. I played basketball for years hoping I would become the next best thing in sports. Similar to Randy Pausch, a career in sports never worked out for me. Despite not achieving any of these dreams, I was still able to be at peace, like Pausch.

I thought this was an incredibly life changing speech. After viewing this talk, I changed my ways of thinking. I adopted the motto, “Never take anything for granted”, and “Live like it was your last day.” Despite revealing that he was dying, Randy was still poised, optimistic, and witty. His candid responses made the talk more real and personal. I did not feel like I was listening to a distinguished professor from Carnegie Mellon, but rather an old friend instead. His will to deliver this speech, speaks to a greater testament of the type of person that he is. I admired Randy’s strength and insight when despite his terminal illness. Individuals cannot control when or how they pass away, but they can help create a legacy that will live on once they die. Watching this also makes me sad for Randy. He appeared to be an intelligent man who could have accomplished so much more. Death is always sad, but it makes it even more depressing when the person dying is young and agile. Pausch was leaving behind a wife, children, and a successful career. Throughout the duration of Randy Pausch’s speech, I was moved. I had forgotten that Randy was terminally ill. He showed that just because someone is dying, they do not have to be pessimistic or depressed. Randy Pausch accepted and embraced his death with great dignity, all while teaching others. I think all individuals should aspire to have the same attitude and outlook as Randy Pausch did....