The Last Lecture Professional Development Comes from Inspiration

Jocelyn C. Crist, The University of Kansas: UMR-ACUHO 2011

Who Was Randy Pausch? •  October 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008 •  Professor of computer science and human-

computer interaction & design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

•  Learned he had pancreatic cancer in September 2006

•  Given "3 to 6 months of good health left“ in August 2007

•  Gave an upbeat lecture titled "The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" on September 18, 2007, at Carnegie Mellon •  Popular YouTube video. Later co-authored a book

called The Last Lecture on the same theme.

What is the Last Lecture

•  On September 18, 2007, Pausch presented a lecture called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”.

•  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Woy4OvZeEwY

The Elevator in the Ranch House  •  Randy woke up one day, wanted to paint on his

walls – Wanted to paint what was important to him. – Allowed him to dream, to create, own his space.

•  Lessons Learned: – Find ways to help others be creative. – Nurture those instincts in them. – What can we allow students to ‘own’?

The Happiest Place on Earth    •  Fell in love with Disney @ 8

•  Applied after PhD, got told no. •  “Brick walls are there for a reason.

They’re not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”

•  When can you say, ‘tell me more’, and help build their dreams?

The Park Is Open Until 8 p.m. •  Told he had 3-6 months of healthful

life. •  Reminded of being told that Disney

was ‘open’ until 8 pm, when asked when it closed. •  He decided to adopt a positive attitude. •  Had life left – wasn’t dead yet.

•  There are always more avenues, even when things seem grim – think ‘what else’.

The Dutch Uncle

•  An old expression that means a person who gives you honest feedback.

•  Professor said, “its such a shame that people perceive you as being so arrogant, because it’s going to limit what you’re going to be able to accomplish in life.”

•  Presented things he needed to hear, in a way he’d listen.

•  It’s important you tell staff and students the truth. –  We’re not doing them favors letting bad traits or behaviors slide. –  We’re developing the future, we’re developing citizens, it IS your

responsibility.

Pouring Soda in the Backseat    •  ‘Don’t mess up Uncle Randy’s new car,”.

•  Immediately poured a can of soda on the back seat to demonstrate to his niece and nephew that people are more important than things.

•  Let’s talk – we protect so many ‘people’ & ‘things’…..

•  How do we demonstrate people are more important than things?

A Recovering Jerk    

•  Randy believes the number one goal for educators should be helping students learn how to judge themselves. – Recognize True Abilities – Sense of Own Flaws – Realistic About How They’re Viewed

•  Provide Opportunities for Feedback Loops

•  Help Understand How Perceptions Can Impede

Don’t Complain, Just Work Harder

•  Randy admired Sandy Blatt and Jackie Robinson because they didn’t complain. As Randy put it:“Complaining is not a strategy.”

•  Allow staff and students to process, but not complain. •  Ask your staff and students to:

–  Champion the Cause –  Be Solution Focused

•  Will help them, you, and the institution grow!

Be the First Penguin    •  1st Penguin Winners were losers who were

going somewhere. •  “experience is what you get when you didn’t get

what you wanted.” •  Experience is the most valuable thing you have

to offer. •  Encourage people to think, to try, and not to be

scared. •  Reminds me of advising – sometimes we fall…. •  How do you encourage more penguins or role

model?

The Lost Art of Thank-You Notes    

•  “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet more powerful things humans can do for one another.”

•  Handwritten thank-you notes, even in our computer age, can offer a kind of magic.

•  When was the last time you sent a handwritten thank-you? – Will your note help someone go from

good to great?

All You Have to Do is Ask •  Asking is the TRICK! •  What would you like to ask for that

you haven’t been able to find the courage to articulate?

•  What could you give your students and staff if you “just ask”?

In Randy’s Words  

•  Broken Down Into –  Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams –  Adventures . . . And Lessons Learned –  Enabling the Dreams of Others –  It’s About How You Live Your Life

Time to Share    

•  How has someone ‘imagineered’ your dreams? OR

•  How will you go help someone else create theirs?