Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture"

Randy Pausch, a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 25, 2008. Mr. Pausch's "Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", has become a world wide phenomenon. The "Last Lecture", which really was his last lecture, has inspired the lives of millions. The lecture is broken down into three parts: My Childhood Dreams, Enabling the Dreams of Others, and Lesson Learned.
Throughout the lecture, Mr. Pausch speaks of the wisdom acquired through personal experiences as well as that which was obtained from others. Here are a few of the numerous valid points made by Mr. Pausch which affected me deeply.
On our quest to reach our goals, we will encounter "brick walls". The brick walls, according to Pausch, are there for several reasons. For one, "they let us prove how badly we want things. They also stop the people who don't want things bad enough". Pausch also said that "experience is what you get, when you didn't get what you wanted. Wait long enough and people will surprise you." Pausch advise to not complain and work harder. Be adamant and diligent in the pursuit of your dreams.
In reference to being an educator, he points out that roles are sometime reversed and teachers learn from their students. Let children excel. While teaching his Building Virtual Worlds course, his students didn't use text books, all projects being hands on.
These are just a few of the many valuable points touched on by Mr. Pausch. As a future educator, I hope to play a vital part in my student's lives. I want them to "believe" they can accomplish their dreams, just not here some one tell them they can. Enhance their confidence and provide them with the skills they need in order to climb over or knock down the "brick walls" they are faced with.