Blog Assignment #6

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: 
              "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"

     Dr. Pausch delivered his September 18, 2007 lecture,                        "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"
a mere ten months before he passed away. His speech is a 'how to' to achieve personal and professional goals. Spoiler alert: this lecture is not about achieving goals or dreams of any particular kind. His is a lecture on the simple mechanics of how to lead your life. In all honesty it really is very simple to follow his direction. Spoiler alert #2: this talk, while being presented to the academia of Carnegie Mellon University, is not presented for their or our benefit. His is a permanent, personal testament delivered to his three children. Powerful. Dynamic. Amusing. Thoughtful. Instructive. Personal. Dr. Pausch creates a living legacy that blesses everyone who chooses to listen, absorb, and follow his life lessons. He makes a compelling point: achieving goals is not an accidental gain or luck of a draw, but a carefully planned and executed life-plan.


     Dr Pausch explains that sooner or later karma will introduce the 'brick wall.' Overcoming this barrier is not easy and takes drive, determination, dedication, and most of all a plan. For over twenty years I have thought about returning to school. Thinking is not doing, it is dreaming. Last Spring, with a lot of encouragement from family and my best friend Brian, I enrolled at USA. My first quarter was not easy but it was rewarding. Each subsequent semester has yielded more success and moved me closer to my goal of graduating with an Elementary Education degree. I have been given a second chance and I have taken that bull by the horns this time. As a teacher I must sense the 'wall' facing my students and prepare and encourage each one individually to scale it through their own hard work and drive.

It is said that no man is an island and for that reason it is important to find a network that will help out when faced with 'walls' of various kinds. A support network, an advice channel, or a cheering squad can be an invaluable bolster to the psyche. I have found many such people within my social network and at South Alabama. I am surprised at the amount of assistance that can be mined from simply mentioning the need for help. As an elementary teacher I believe it is valuable to develop a rapport with the student so they will feel comfortable confiding their needs. There will always be 'walls' and there will always be a need for assistance somewhere down the line.

     Once advice is requested and received the hard part starts. Feedback alone is useless. It becomes valuable once it is accepted and acted upon. Positive (continue on the same track) and negative (time to rethink, regroup) feedback messages are necessary and a valuable tool for achieving goals. Plan to not only ask for advice but follow up, cherish and act on feedback from a respected source. Two heads are better than one and a good support network can be amazingly beneficial. A teacher is given feedback every minute without even soliciting. Body language of the class speaks volumes. A savvy teacher will know when to change gears and recapture lost attention. Awareness to what excites and motivates an individual or class and the willingness to use novel tactics should ensure an active learning atmosphere with fewer down times. For the teacher and student: when in doubt, ask. I have had many occasions in the past year to ask for feedback and it has made a positive difference in my direction.

     Show gratitude whenever possible. Small displays and grand ones mean so much to the receiver. I have a friend, Deb, who goes out of her way to thank everyone who crosses her path. Her forum is Facebook and it is quite endearing.  Needless to say a lot of people cross her path and no-one is overlooked. If only everyone could execute a well intended show of gratitude whenever possible. What a warm and fuzzy place for example, the classroom, office, home, or grocery store would be.  Thank you, Deborah, for continually showing me how to be appreciative for even the little gems. Thank you, Dr. Pausch, for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.

                                                    
                                                           SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!