By Jason Greiner
Just a few years ago, outside of his classes the halls of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh (and of course a few other select places) nobody really knew Randy Pausch.
As the story played out, Pausch was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in September of 2006. After all was said and done, medical experts gave him little more than a year to live. Obviously, he outlived expectations.
When people get this type of news, they often approach the time they have left with a lot of contemplation, reflection and preparation. Some use the time to visit exotic lands. Others use these days with a focus on spiritual salvation. And, yet others arrange their finances so as to assure the future security of their spouse and children. But as one television promo put it, Pausch used his time to "change the world."
A book he co-wrote, "The Last Lecture," and his actual last lecture at CMU on September 18, 2007, where simply the final touches on the life of an extraordinary man and thinker.
In addition to teaching his three children about life, he taught countless others about the importance of taking risks, always being truthful and never giving up on our childhood dreams. One of his most noted philosophies is that the "brick walls" along our path of life are not there to keep us out but rather show us how bad we really want to achieve.
Pausch's last lecture was recorded and has been viewed by millions on the Internet and in segments on various television programs. The Electronic Arts company, who has been collaborating with CMU of late, will honor his name by creating a memorial scholarship fund for women in computer science, a group he was known for mentoring. And countless cancer patients and individuals with other terrible conditions have acknowledged him as a source of inspiration for them to stay strong.
Pausch may have only had the chance to walk the earth for a far too short 47 years. But, his lessons and memory will likely reside in the hearts and on the minds of several generations to come.
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