Who is Randy Pausch and why have I chosen him for my first writing subject?
Randy Pausch is a 47 year old father of three. He has had a distinguished career as a computer science professor at the American University, Carnegie Melon. He suffers from an acute form of pancreatic cancer and as I write this, likely has only weeks to live.
But that’s not why I’m writing about him.
I’m writing about Randy for two reasons. Firstly this is a man who I have never met, yet he has managed to inspire my day to day existence.
Two months ago I knew nothing about Randy Pausch. I first heard the name simply because it accompanied the most downloaded file in the Apple iTunes store. At the time, I was testing out a new toy - a shiny new iPod, a gift from work that told me I was a good corporate pawn. It told me that I had worth through my ability to charge hours to “the client”.
That innocuous movie file was called “How to Realise your Childhood Dreams”. At this moment I do not remember any specifics from this talk but the specifics are not presently important. What is important right now is the influence I still carry from downloading this particular speech.
What is memorable. What has truly inspired me. What lasts. What will continue to last after Randy has died.
I remember the passion. The love. The love of his wife and children. The passion for his profession and the passion for fun. The aura of respect and intelligence. I think. No, I know, that these are the reasons I am drawn in. These are the reasons why I still remember this talk.
Right now I am sitting at my desk, mentally tired and fighting off the buzz of semi-conscious thought that never seems to cease ricocheting around my skull. I cannot, or care not to remember any particular line, joke or quote from that talk. But I can remember who Randy is, what he stands for and why this means something to me.
In the weeks that followed I listened to more from Randy. I learnt about time management. I listened to others as well. Inspiration has become my fuel. But I owe it to myself to never forget the bold passage above. Because that’s what is truly human. That which you leave to this world after you’re gone is what is truly valuable. Randy has inspired me and countless others. He has undoubtably raised wonderful, healthy, intelligent children. What more could any one person aim to achieve with their time on earth?
This leads nicely into my concluding point - the second reason why I am writing about Randy: he has reminded me of what I should be striving for. An indication of what life should be about. To influence people through words, speech and most importantly, actions.
Edit: Randy died on July 25th from complications relating to his pancreatic cancer.
