Randy realized that he didn't give the lecture because he wanted to, but because he had to. As you read this final section of the book, what are the emotions that you were feeling? How do YOU describe the legacy of Randy Pausch?
117 Comments
Jackson Stone
4/29/2012 11:27:02 pm
As i read this section i thought about lacrosse. When i first started lacrosse its fasted passed action and contact attracted me to it. But, when i think about why i play it now i cant think of an answer. Then i realized that i do it because i need to, because i cant think of my life without lacrosse. That is why i do it, not because i want to because i need to.
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Adreesh Roy
5/8/2012 01:10:43 pm
That was a really genuine answer Jackson. I really enjoyed how you related the whole experience to a game of lacrosse. Everything worked out perfectly too! I do agree with you in the sense that some things in our lives are mandatory. Your's is Lacrosse, mine is Music, and Randy's was his last lecture.
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Whitney Bras
5/9/2012 08:38:06 am
That is a great way to think about it Jackson. I like how answer was so personable.
Kyle Towe
5/9/2012 01:18:13 am
I think that that is how a lot of things work. you start of doing it because you think its fun or enjoyable but when you get along into you realize its becomes something more. Something that cant be explained it is just something you do without really knowing. You are sill having fun but it has reached a deeper layer of your heart and to stop doing it would be like ripping away part of your soul.
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Josh Fink
5/10/2012 01:30:16 pm
Along with the others, i really like this anwser. Like adreesh said, we all have our passions. like jackson, i don't know what i would do without the sports i play. So much of my life is based around them i don't know what i would be doing without them! Randy explains his passions throughout the book, and i bet his kids will enjoy seeing these as they grow up.
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Hauwa Oyebanji
4/30/2012 09:57:59 pm
as i read the last section. i was unhappy because he had to die of the cancer and he gave the last lecture, to encourage people not to give up.
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melody Siebenmann
5/1/2012 01:29:49 am
When your thirsty, you drink water. If you don't ever drink water, it would be very bad. Same with this, I understood that he HAD to give his speech. For himself and his family and kids. It was difficult for me to read when he described each of hi kids and it really gripped your heart that these kids would never grow up with their father. Sure, they would have pictures and documents and his book and his video.. But they would never grow up with their father. The main thing that I saw from randy's book was to follow and live out your dreams and to be a happy optimist no matter what befalls you. Randy did that. he lived out his dreams, and even though he was going to die, to remain happy and live your life. In living with your life, love your family. Family, dreams, and optimism can go a long way in life. Live, love and dream.
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Jenna Song
5/9/2012 09:13:00 am
That was a great way to put that Randy had to do his Last Lecture Project. I really liked how you compared it like our necessity to drink water. This was his "water" to him.
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Yacine Issioui
5/10/2012 06:49:52 am
I really like how you put it. The water analogy was a great way of describing how he had to give his speech. His speech was intended for his children and so I believe he kept mentioning how you always have to keep your head up and stay positive as a reference to his children because they were going to have to accept the loss of a life without their dad.
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Sierra Latshaw
5/1/2012 04:08:34 am
I was really sad while reading the end of the book. I was crying especially when all the people sang Happy Birthday to Jay. It was so sweet and very sad at the same time. Randy knew he was dying so instead of making everyone sad with his lecture he told them how to go out and live their lives. I think the legacy of Randy would be that you should live life the way you want to, love like you have never been hurt, dance as if no one is watching, and sing as if no one is listening. Randy gave people the realization to take life and make it special and for that he is remembered as a dreamer or in his words a Tiger. :)
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Grace Lu
5/12/2012 10:46:04 am
I really liked the way you worded the lesson Randy taught us. You made something seemingly complicated fit perfectly into a single sentence!
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Janice Kao
5/1/2012 09:47:22 am
When I read section 61, I felt so sad for Randy. His last two slides where he talked about the two head fakes made me nearly burst into tears. Even though it wasn’t meant for the readers, it feels like it was meant for everyone. His words really broke my heart into a million pieces. He’s also inspired me though. He’s inspired me to do what he told his kids. In his legacy, he was able to fulfill many things like his childhood dreams. Randy Pausch lived a wonderful live and we could all take a leaf out of his book. Everyone should remember the legacy of Randy Pausch because he sets an example on how we should live out our lives by making dreams into reality and living the lives that we want.
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Sierra Latshaw
5/4/2012 03:37:25 am
Janice, I completely agree. The ending was really sad and the message of the head fakes was so moving that I burst into tears. He really was a phenomenal, and left behind a wonderful legacy. I was also inspired to fulfill my dreams like he told his kids to do, even though the message was more to his kids than to me. I also think that everyone could take the message of his lecture differently but no matter what there was something you could take away from it. I also agree with your closing statement saying that we should remember him because he set an example of how to live life, other than mopping around. I think your message clearly displays how you felt about the book and I couldn't do better myself.
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Vishnu Kunadharaju
5/10/2012 01:43:41 pm
I agree with Janice. The last part of his lecture was really sad. I also felt like he wrote the book and delivered the speech just for everybody and not just for his children. Just like Janice he had also inspired me to become a better person. He was a amazing guy. I will always remember Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture.
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Giselle Peng
5/1/2012 09:05:38 pm
When reading, it was extremely sad, yes, but I didn't really feel sad for Randy. From what I'd seen of him throughout the book, he had made it pretty clear that he accepted death and was still willing to be positive. I felt more sad for Jai and his kids, because their time with him is extremely limited, and Dylan, Logan, and Chloe are going to grow up without a dad. In the end, I think it was much harder for them than Randy.
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Mukund Kuntimad
5/6/2012 01:58:52 am
Like you, I felt both happy and sad for different reasons. The bittersweet feeling is certainly an emotion I felt after I finished reading the book. I felt bad for Randy because his illness had given him limited time to accomplish his dream of being a good father for his kids. But I felt worse for the bereavers he left behind because the impact of his personality touched one and all. Even unattached readers can empathize with Randy’s feelings throughout his Last Lecture.
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Jamie Stivers
5/1/2012 10:13:14 pm
The ending of this book made me sad. I knew that this was going to happen, but it's just sad. But through the end of his last lecture, I learned how strong of a person Randy is. He has been dealing with this so well. I would describe the legacy of randy pausch as an inspiration to others, and someone who many look up to. He went out of this world remembered.
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Swathi Sarathy
5/9/2012 08:15:47 am
You are right! He dealt with his situation in such a positive way and he was so strong.
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Swathi Sarathy
5/9/2012 08:15:47 am
You are right! He dealt with his situation in such a positive way and he was so strong.
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Grace Lu
5/2/2012 12:05:13 am
I felt sad, but at the same time inspired. Even though Randy’s circumstances looked grim, he did the most he could with the time he had left. Instead of letting his diagnosis weigh him down, Randy kept a positive attitude and continued sharing his views on life with others. The ending of the book shows how strong Randy is as a person.
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Pratyusha Manthean
5/8/2012 10:53:40 am
I agree completely with you about Randy's optimism. His attitude shows you the kind of person he is. He definitely inspired me to keep a good attitude even if things get rough.
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Surabi Rao
5/2/2012 01:21:00 am
As I read the last section of the Last Lecture, I felt really awful. I didn't want Randy to die, and I wanted him to live and tell his kids all the lessons that he talked about during his lecture. The person I felt the most sorry for, though, was Jai. Jai found the man of her dreams and loved him so much, and then she finds out he's going to die. This was awful and sad. It's like finding a million dollars and then losing it. I was also inspired to go live my life the way I wanted to. Randy Pausch's legacy was mostly about living your dreams and not wasting life.
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Chandru Sundarrajan
5/9/2012 08:11:37 am
I agree that this book, especially the ending, was very emotional. Randy definitely had to give this speech because he needed to leave a legacy. Such an intelligent person like him had to leave something for his kids to look up to. I like your example of finding a million dollars, then losing it, because that plus the charming personality of Randy would be lost for Jai.
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Kyle Towe
5/2/2012 01:30:48 am
As I read the last part of the book I was having a lot of mixed emotions. I was happy for Randy because he delivered his lecture and got out all he had to say about life. But then as you finish the book you realize that this is the end for Randy. There is practically no more after this he is going to be gone forever. His children will be left fatherless and his wife husbandless. Then I am happy again because of the legacy he has left behind. His children will have plenty of him to look at when he is gone and they will know so much about their father and what he stood for. He has left behind a shining legacy that is full of good deeds and great accomplishments.
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Eric Benenson
5/2/2012 03:21:01 am
Some of the emotions that I was feeling were sadness, grief, and how selfless he was. He didn’t at all seem concerned or sad about his upcoming death by the tone of his writing. The legacies of Randy were his last lecture, the video tapes that he left for his kids, the letters he left for his kids and the book “The Last Lecture” that he wrote.
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J.C. Humen
5/10/2012 12:29:34 pm
I hear you. However, what I try to think of instead of being sad, is how happy his kids will react to it when they're older. After all, as they are now they probably won't remember their father as we all can guess. So, when they find out exactly how much their father loved them, I can't help but imagine how happy and relieved they'll be. Especially to know that in such a stressful time for their father, he still thought of them above all. That's how I view it. Then whenever I feel down, thinking about Randy's death I think of the smile his children will have on their faces when they read/watch their fathers Last Lecture.
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Jenna Song
5/2/2012 11:40:58 am
As I read the final sections of the book, I felt many different emotions at the same time. I was a little devastated at the fact that Randy wouldn't be in this world anymore, but I was feeling more devastated for his family who would have to suffer from losing him. I think it's harder for the people who are living to lose someone who's going to go to the other world. I was also feeling respect for Randy for fulfilling a wonderful and happy life even though it was a little short. I knew that Randy wouldn't be here with us, but I just had the feeling that this wouldn't be the end. His legacy would always continue. Even though it won't be the same as having the real Randy here, but his legacy shows what he has done as a person. His end gave me a new light to where I should go through my life. I think Randy's legacy was to show that life is precious. You cannot waste any time of your life, accomplish what you want to do, and try hard to make yourself a legacy of your own. I think he's trying to prove that you don't have to be special to have a life like him, but you have to have the motivation and the want to accomplish to have a successful like him. I also think his legacy is for you to understand family. What family is like, and how important figures they are in your life.
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Sakina Daresalamwala
5/9/2012 11:07:54 am
That was a great way to describe how I'm sure a lot fo us were feeling. I felt really let down, when I realized that the book was coming to the end. I sort of started panicking as the ages became thinner! He really taught us how to treat and see life and how we shoud be thankful and appreciative of what we have!
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Ashleigh Little
5/2/2012 12:29:21 pm
At first I was upset reading the last chapter because I knew that Randy, who was a brilliant, amazing dreamer, was going to die (although I was holding out hope), but then I felt at peace and amazed at how calm and OK he was with death. He knew that is was his time to go and he left everything he could to help his kids learn the lessons of life and show how much he loved them. The intriguing part was about the head fakes and following your dreams, its something I will keep with me.
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Daxton Davidson
5/3/2012 01:09:39 am
I had lots of emotions. I was sad that he had to die and sad for his kids. I aslo had a little bit of happyness in that he gets to tell his kids how he really feels. It was a good ending he gets to tell his kids how he wants them to be and all the lessons he has for them. I was truely emotional. He handled his death very well which helped me and I'm sure his faimly too. He did not panic he didn't burst into tears, he was calm and sad, but he excepted it and made the most of his time left. He gave his kids what they would need without a father. His legacy was put into words in the book, but his legacy was truely just be happy and make the most of life everyday.
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Ryan Kinder
5/3/2012 01:24:12 am
Reading the last section of the book I felt pretty bad. Here's this wonderful man with so much to offer to the world and his time on earth has to end. Luckily he does leave a wonderful legacy. Hos legacy is to live life to the fullest and to follow your dreams; if you try hard enough your dreams will come to you.
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Chandru Sundarrajan
5/3/2012 07:06:13 am
Pausch realized he had to give this lecture because he had to, since unlike many other fathers who lived to their fullest, he did not have much time to spend with his kids. This is why he felt obliged to give this speech; his kids had to have a way to reconnect with their father and understand important values as they grew up. As I was reading the final section of this book, I was devastated. Why did someone of such great knowledge die so young? I felt terrible because his full potential was not unlocked. Though his kids will remember the last lecture, they wouldn't completely remember their father as having a connection with them. Nevertheless, I think that the legacy Pausch has left behind has been enormous. His impacts has taught not only his children on how to live a successful life, but also people all over the world.
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Janice Kao
5/9/2012 09:51:37 am
I agree with a lot of what you said! He was a really wise person who had experience in pretty much everything! I think that Randy could reached a larger level in potential, but he lived a fulfilling life according to his book and lecture. I also think that his legacy could have been even bigger had he not gotten pancreatic cancer. He's influenced me by his book, so he must have been a very influential person outside of the book too!
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Rinith Prasad
5/3/2012 07:50:51 am
When I read section 61, I was very happy. It’s not the fact that those were Randy’s last words, it’s the fact that even with the pain of knowing that he is about to die, he got up and lectured about his life. He was “head-faking” everyone, teaching them a lesson. Now that he has taught his last lecture, he left happily, knowing he made his last mark. His legacy is the best. I want to follow in his footsteps, not his goals or legacy, but his ideas in accomplishing your dreams.
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Rinith Prasad
5/3/2012 07:59:35 am
(Cont.)
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Teena Thomas
5/3/2012 09:43:47 am
As I read the last section of the Last Lecture, I had a mix of emotions.I was very sad that he had died, not being able to spend a long period of time with them, not being able to watch his children growing , and not having much time to enjoy life to its fullest.At the same time I am happy that he was able to create some memories with his family.I respect him for doing something for other till the end of his life
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Jennifer Chavarro-Rogers
5/4/2012 04:15:18 am
I was extremely sad at the end of The Last Lecture. Coming from someone who cried at the end of Don Quixote, of course I cried at the end of this book. Randy didn't want the focus of his speech to center around his cancer, or his near death. Instead, he wanted to share to people that it matters how you live your life. Time is extremely limited, and it's very important. He wanted people to live their lives the way they want, and not concentrate on the little, unimportant things of life. Life is precious, and Randy understood that. He wanted people to be happy, and be whoever they want to be. Don't focus on dying, focus on living.
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Shishir Jessu
5/5/2012 01:45:27 am
Randy decided he had to give the lecture because he wanted to get this unique view of the world out to everyone. Especially in the later years of someone's life, you can either live very strictly and pay attention to every single detail and get unnecessarily mad, or you can let the smaller things go and embrace the little mistakes we make as humans. He had to make sure that everyone, especially his kids, knew how much these things matter. Randy, before his death, knew better than anyone what it was like to look death directly in the eye, and despite this, he decided not to give in to the horrors and the unknown. He decided to make the most of his life so that he could leave this world without regrets or wants.
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Vishaal Sakthivelnathan
5/6/2012 09:36:23 am
Shishir, I agree with you 100%. Your statement which questions his death was really good, and I wonder the same thing too. All I have to say to that is Destiny. God has our destiny preplanned. Remember when Randy states "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
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Madiha Rehan
5/5/2012 09:48:49 am
When I read more of the ending of The Last Lecture, he really didn't give the speech over how his cancer, it was more about how he saw the positive side to his life when he got the cancer. He explained his adventures throughout his life and how to enjoy life till the end. He had an amazing positive attitude while giving this speech and he handled himself well with it, even though it would be his last time to ever give this speech out to the world. Randy was a really strong person to be so positive about himself even though he knew his time was up. He truly did have great inspiration given out by him to really live life the fullest.
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Jenna Song
5/9/2012 09:15:21 am
Yes, Madiha I really liked how his speech wasn't over his "glorious fight of cancer" unlike what I expeced, but his achieving of childhood dreams and goals.
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Swathi Sarathy
5/5/2012 11:42:46 am
By the end of the book, I was completely inspired to change my perspective on life. The book has made me want to become such a better person and to really focus on the big picture instead of dwelling on the small details. It was truly incredible how positive his attitude was and how strong he stayed up till the very end. I thought it was nice that he admitted to the crowd that he didn't just mae this last lecture for the audience or because he felt obligated to. The main reason was his kids. He wanted them to learn who their dad was, and maybe realize what kind of a person he was.
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Beverly Lo
5/8/2012 06:23:45 am
Hey SwaSwa. I totally agree with your post. He inspired me to not fret over little details, and being the perfectionist I am, it's pretty hard to be done.I loved the part at the end when he talked about the head-fake. It was a total "aww" moment for me. It showed how much parents truly love their kids.
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Dheeraj Nuthakki
5/6/2012 12:56:35 am
As I was reading the final chapters of this book, I had a lot of mixed emotions. It was sad that a loving, caring man like Randy had to die. He was definitely somebody to be remembered. Randy had courage to talk about his family and how to live life and give advice to his kids and wife, when he knew himself that he would die pretty soon. Randy was determined to give that last lecture, so he would be remembered and be an influence to all the people in the world. When he was going to talk about the head fakes, I was wondering maybe this was all just a hoax to tell people to live life to the fullest, maybe Randy won't die, well, I for one was hoping he wouldn't die. It truly bothers me that he will die or he already did. He was such a great man, a family man, any child whose father was Randy would be lucky for sure. Randy made sure his children would remember him and describe him to others. Randy didn't want his children to become what he wanted them to become, he wanted them to become whatever they wanted to become when they grew up without any pressure in choosing their career. The legacy of Randy Paush is truly the best legacy ever.
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Sydney Stevens
5/6/2012 01:30:48 am
While reading this final section, I was feeling so many emotions. I was sad, inspired, and most importantly, I was thankful. Sadness overcame me especially in the last few chapters because I realized how much he cared for his family, but how they won't remember how many times he told them. I was very inspired by Randy because even at the hardest time in his life, he was enjoying life and giving hour long lectures. It made me think about how much we tend to forget that we really have it easy most of the time. Yeah it might be a little hot outside, or our friend might be moving. But almost nothing compares to the pain Randy was going through, yet he was the one who forgot about the pain and just had fun with the time he had left. Finally, I was thankful for the life I have and for everything I learned in this book. Thanks to Randy, I will try to have a more positive outlook on life and embrace my inner Tigger more often than not.
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Taeeun Kim
5/9/2012 10:49:04 am
That's really true! Randy Pausch has left so many things that it's hard to decide what his legacy is! I envy how he enjoyed his life until the very end even when he was diagnosed with cancer. We complain about our lives when they are people out there living harder lives than us and managing to be optimistic!
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Mukund Kuntimad
5/6/2012 01:47:30 am
Bittersweet emotions filler me up as the last lecture came to an end. It was bitter because I knew that Randy will not enjoy the company of his work family or his family at home for a very long time. The cancer had given Randy advanced notice about his time as a father, husband, son, friend, or brother. More than Randy, I feel for the near and dear who miss him more after he passes away. However, I do feel glad that his young children have a beautiful, visual, and audial medium to listen to and appreciate when they grow up. Others have a tangible lecture to back and listen to or watch whenever they miss Randy. In my opinion, Randy has left a great legacy for everyone. He has told the terminally ill patients how to cope with their illness, and conveyed to his family the extent of his love and care. He has also thanked all of his friends, philosophers, and guides who have molded his personality. Even people who did not know him personally can learn a lot from his Last Lecture.
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Taeeun Kim
5/6/2012 06:57:37 am
In my opinion, the final section of the book was the most touching part from the entire book. I was really sad and touched and everything. When Randy told the crowd that the second head fake was that the talk was for his kids, not just the audience, I was like all tight in the stomach. He really was a loving father, and he did everything he could to leave behind everything he can for his children. I think Randy’s legacy is his life he lived with no regret. He did what he loved and pursued until the very end to reach his dreams. Randy’s legacy will be remembered forever and will have a long-lasting impact on the life of those who knows about him.
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Beverly Lo
5/6/2012 08:00:52 am
As I was reading the Last Lecture of Randy Pausch, I go so ‘into’ the book that I kind of forgot at certain moments that Randy was going to die. He kept talking about how happy he was with his wife and kids I only remembered he had cancer when he mentioned it. In the last section, the happiness sort of went away and became more serious. When he talked about the head fakes at the end, I felt that he had done an excellent job with the speech, dealing with cancer, and with his life. I realized that he gave the last lecture, not only to his students and those who attended, but also so that his kids (and us) could watch it and hopefully learn from his legacy; living life the fullest and living out your dreams.
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5/6/2012 08:12:00 am
While reading the last section of the book, I did not feel emotions as much as I just got a feeling of how briliant this man is. I realized that he kind of summed up every motivational speaker's speeches that I have heard in the past few years. Although he did not directly say, "don't do drugs," it is implied. How can you expect to become an NFL player if you are high more than you are sober? How do expect to achieve your wildest dreams if you sit at home wasting your life away. You are always told, "do what you love, don't do what will provide the most income." Finding what you truly love is really hard once you are hiding your true seld from society. With the pressure of school, friends, your social status, and even teachers, doing what is best for YOU is hard. But before all this, as a child, everyone's true inner self was there, out in the open. What you dreampt of as a child is what you will love doing. Randy nailed this spot on, first try, perfect. I think this is what he wanted everyone to know. I think getting this message out was why he gave the last lecture.
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5/6/2012 08:29:30 am
As I read the final section of the book I experienced a slew of emotions. I felt great that Randy was able to influence so many people, and show his kids that he really loved them, but at the same time I felt horrible that he was passing away. I was inspired by the fact that he embraced everything that happened to him, and enjoyed his life even though he was on the brink of the death. I couldn't help but feel bad for Randy's friends and family who would never be able to see him again, but it was amazing how smoothly Randy had handled his own death, and I really admire his positive, optimistic attitude.
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Raghav Kotha
5/6/2012 09:11:32 am
While reading this last section I felt many feelings..Sadness, Happiness for the way he respects himself and other, and gratitude for my cancer free lifestyle so far.I could describe the legacy of Randy Pausch with just a couple things. One, he was definitely a Tigger, he had great analytical thinking and was truly someone with great intellectual talent, and he was also a strong individual. Even he saw many people who felt sorry for himself, he never did. Sort of like Cyrano from Cyrano de Bergerac. Even though everyone thought he would die soon, instead of feeling sorry for himself, he thought about how he could make his next few months memorable. He was a great person!
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Vishaal Sakthivelnathan
5/6/2012 10:02:12 am
To be honest, I was really to the point where is was about to let everything out. It was a really sad ending that really did pull on my heartstrings. Even though this was part of section 60, Randy showed out his full devotion towards Jai. It does not matter to him if she gets remarried, all he wants is for her to be happy. This is the attitude I would expect out of a fully devoted husband. And then the part where Jai tells Randy to not die is when I could not help it anymore. I felt so sorry for him and his family. I would say that he left a meteor size legacy that any one could relate too. It just shows how one should live out his life to max. Break through the barriers of sorrow, and the evils that lie ahead. To achieve this state of well being, man must be Tigger and become optimistic about everyday. I will never forget this book, and then ending just makes me want to read it again.
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Payton Molina
5/7/2012 09:29:40 am
I felt inspired by the end of his book. I felt as if I can really go out and just reach my goals and dream that I want to reach. He was really good at showing how motivational he could be because he really did want to have a big impact in his speech to give people a little part of him before he died. I loved the way he said that at the end of his speech it had really all be about his kids and what he wanted them to rememeber about him and how he wanted them to remember him. He was good at just being the father he could even though he woudldn't be there for a good portion of his childrens lives. When he wrote this book he was aiming at people to see that childhood dreams can come true if you really want them to. That's why he is a legacy because he showed people that he really tried for all his dreams and didn't stop when he hit a brick wall. He says they are only there for you to show how bad you really want something. I think that's what will stay with me the longest is that no matter what fight for the goals and dreams you have even if you suddenly come across a brick wall. You should fight to get over it even if it seems like you never will you eventually will.
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Kassidy Cragg
5/7/2012 11:12:53 am
i had mixed emotions. I was happy because he left such a great memory behind and people will always remember him because he inspired kids. He gave the lecture to point out important life lessons. He felt the need to share with growing people what a meaningful life should look like.
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Yuna Oh
5/7/2012 11:25:22 am
As I read this section, I felt sad, but thankful at the same time. I'm sad that Randy had to leave his children and his loving wife. I am thankful at the same time because there was this great person, Randy Paush, who left a short book, packed up with incredible life lessons. This book and the lecture he gave at the Carnegie Mellon, his legacy, were for his children and it was for every young men and women in this world. I will describe it as a life guidance fpr every individual in entire world with dreams.
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Lea Balcerzak
5/7/2012 11:36:16 am
As the book came to a close, I as a reader expected some kind of closing of the book. This was definitely delivered. The final section turned out to be quite touching and in a way also surprising. Obviously, I couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit of sorrow especially as Randy’s wife whispered to him, “Please don’t die.” Mostly though, I was extremely surprised at a statement that unconsciously I already knew all along. What was so shocking to me was Randy stating that the great head fake of his lecture was that it was not for the people there, nor for his students, nor for his friends, nor for his wife; it was for his 3 kids. Personally, I think that was absolutely the most touching and inspiring part of the book. It showed just to what measures Randy went to make sure his kids knew their father and knew how much he loved him. Both in his book and speech and virtual reality programs and influences, Randy leaves a great legacy for himself. Being so marvelous, can it really be described in a word or maybe a phrase? I don’t think so, though if I were to try, I could state that his legacy is the lesson of taking what you can do and what life gives you, and deciding exactly how to use or live those things out to the fullest. Quite like Randy himself stated that we cannot change the cards that we are dealt, yet we can choose how to play them.
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Catherine Jackson
5/7/2012 10:32:02 pm
If this were a fiction book, somebody would rush in at the very end of his lecture and say that there was some miracle cure and he wasn't going to die after all. Unfortunately, though, this book was very real. The ending was very poignant (vocab word!). It was a great moment, but it was so sad. His legacy as a professor and a parent was to follow your dreams, no matter what gets in your way. His real legacy, though, was to live your life in the best way possible, and karma will take care of the rest.
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J.C. Humen
5/7/2012 11:36:24 pm
I honestly thought it was a fitting end to the book. He acknowledges that the speech was for his kids. That was his legacy to them. A place where he poured out his entire personality, all his secrets, his thoughts, philosophies, and his love for his kids. This way, one day they could get as close to their dead father as possible. The fact that he would do that for his kids and that he would openly express it created a poignant moment that will likely leave his kids content and proud of him. In fact I sort of envied that. I know my dad would never do that for me and my sister despite what he might say so hat made me tear up. However, at the same time I felt happy because here was truly a man who set an example to follow, a man who had lived his life to the fullest despite the obstacles put in his way. The other thing that made me happy was to think of how touched his children would be when they read it.
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maci scates
5/8/2012 12:28:07 am
As I read the last section i was really sad because i didnt understand why a person like randy who had such an imagination and view on world had to die, but as i thought about it i realized that if he had never had to die then he would never had made the last lecture and would never have touched all those people even to this day.
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Eugene Han
5/8/2012 04:07:44 am
I guess I didn't feel completely down and heart broken that he couldn't live a full life. However, let's think about it this way; He lived his life as if it was worth millions of lives. He seems happier than a lot more people in the whole wide world, and no one could live up to that potential in life. If he didn't have cancer and was dying, it would be worth a life with hundreds of years. I felt relieved, too. Instead of being a baby and grieving about his death, he had a positive attitude and decided to be happy about it and leave his children a speech. A speech of his dreams. A speech for his children. It felt like it was a have - to, but I see it as a logical have - to, where he HAD to leave this speech for his kids. This speech really helps others too, to be inspired, and to reach their goals and dreams. Randy got to do it in less than a normal human's life, almost by 1/2. If HE can do it, we can do it.
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Maddy G
5/8/2012 06:12:22 am
I became really emotional when reading the last section of this book- especially when he talks about his dreams for his children. After all, the reason he HAD to give the last lecture was, in fact, his children. He believed that they deserved to know who their father was and the dreams he fulfilled and the lives he changed.
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Morgan Glover
5/8/2012 08:06:56 am
At the end, I was surprised how well he put together his life into a book and presentation. I was impressed how he showed the world how to remember him. If I knew Randy, I would remember him for his willpower and strength, how, months (maybe weeks) away from death, he could still get on stage, say goodbye to everyone he knows and loves, and prepare his family for the approaching tragedy. I think his legacy is to never give up on life, even if it won't be there that much longer.
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Neil Bhamoo
5/8/2012 08:11:06 am
I felt really sad that his kids wouldn't get to know him as much. I didn't really feel bad that he wouldn't see his kids because he has lived a full life with great parents, and he made it clear that he wasn't worried about what he would be missing, but what his kids were missing. I would describe the legacy of Pausch to be everything he has done, and left behind for others to know. Mostly, I think the best part of his legacy would be the last lecture. Even though it has been many years since he gave his last lecture, people are still enjoying the book and the movie. If he got money from selling the book, it would probably really be helping Jai and the kids take care and enjoy life. This is why it would be a great legacy. If I had done something like that, it would probably be my legacy as well.
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John Wang
5/8/2012 08:48:50 am
Reaching the end of this book, I took somewhat of a new outlook on most situations in my life. Randy took an unconventional spin to everything in life, making it all fun and happy. It saddened me to know that even though his life was about to end, he was still happy and satisfied--like nothing was happening to him.
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Coleman Wylie
5/8/2012 08:59:09 am
This section made me think about the things that we feel are most important. Randy felt required to do the lecture because he realized that when he died, he would need a legacy to be remembered for. He knew that the lecture would be the best way for him to communicate to his kids and everybody else just the kind of person he was. When I think about that legacy Randy left through his lecture, I realize that in it he was trying to set a good road for his kids to live on. I think that Randy Pausch's legacy is his children.
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Lauren Kirkley
5/8/2012 09:03:08 am
The last part of the book was really bittersweet for me. Randy had lived his life and fulfilled his dreams and now it was time for him to leave the Earth with the great legend that he left behind. It definitely was very sad when he talked about his children and his wife and how much they might need him later in life. Although, I think he left some of the best messages for his kids that any father could ever leave. I think the legacy he left to the world is indescribable. It was so inspiring. I think it revealed secrets about happiness that no one has ever realized before his lecture and book. It truly gives everyone inspiration to just keep moving forward and not worry about the little things in life.
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Taddie Cook
5/8/2012 09:19:33 am
I think Randy's legacy will forever be someone who continued living even though he knew he was dying. That will always be what he is remembered for. As I read the end of the book, I was faced with sadness and sweetness that Randy cared so much about his family. You could tell how hard it was for him to move on and leave his children behind while they were so helpless. In someways, it is harder when they are young because you have no idea what they will be. But it is easier on them, because they do not know you as well. To those closer to him, Randy may be known for something else. But to the rest of the world, he is famous because of his cancer. Without that diesease, he would not have realized all of these truths about living. That will be his legacy.
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Amy Roh
5/8/2012 09:44:15 am
Towards the end, I can see how now Randy NEEDED to do this lecture. As in, if he didn't finish it, things would not be the way they should be. and even though his days are limited, he knew that he had to do this, without a doubt. And I think that the legacy he was leaving behind was truly inspiring and touching. I felt very sad in the end, because he was just an incredible person and frankly I didn't want him to pass away. But obviously he left behind an amazing legacy for his family and I thought that kind of made up for the sadness.
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Lauren Rudd
5/8/2012 09:48:02 am
I was definitely disappointed when the book was over…I didn’t want it to end! The small bits of advice he puts in throughout the book really make it enjoyable. It was very sad when he was talking about the treatment he was getting and how his family was dealing with it. The lasting impact Randy made on the world was a big one. He touched so many people in many different ways. The main thing I got from it was to enjoy the small things and go with the flow. I liked when he said “You can’t control the cards you’re given, only how you play the hand”.
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Pratyusha Manthena
5/8/2012 11:02:58 am
When I read this last section, I was overwhelmed with a mixture of different emotions. It was really sad when they sang for Jai. However, I was also kind of happy for Randy’s kids because they will now be able to have something in memory of their father. If they need to have something to know their father, they will have this last lecture as their answer. I wasn’t really feeling sad for Randy either because he now has something that will be in place of the absence of him is the lives of his kids. I think that the legacy of Randy Pausch. He has definitely inspired me to live my life in a positive attitude and have fun my life and never be an Eeyore. I think that people live always remember Randy as a really optimistic guy and great accomplishments. His legacy is filled with amazing advice and is a perfect role model of how to live our lives now.
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Tyler Smith
5/8/2012 11:13:32 am
I would describe the legacy of Randy Pausch as sad and sweet. It was sad and sweet that he took all that time just to write those things down for his children. People will remember Randy by his last lecture and his influence on his kids and his students.
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Yacine Issioui
5/8/2012 11:23:53 am
Although I was sad for his planned death, I was also glad that he still was able to make a lasting impact and touch on the people that knew him. I was also happy that his family was going to think of him in a sad and happy sort of way. Randy's legacy is probably going to be his Last Lecture's "lecture". He will be known as a person who took action rather then complained about his upcoming death. In all, he will be known as a amazing professor who had changed many people's lives.
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Kyle Towe
5/9/2012 01:21:56 am
I think that is dead on Yacine. He didn't leave the world by just mourning but he left behind a legacy. His great legacy will always be remembered and many people will think of him after his death because of the way he has touched their lives.
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Avery Pietrowiak
5/8/2012 11:37:44 am
I feel like this is a bitter sweet moment because this message that he has left for his children was amazing, but his time had to come. His whole lecture was basically to tell his children that they need to dream big, work to achieve the dreams, and help others with their dreams. This is what he would have told them as they were growing up, but unfortunately he had to plan in a short amount of time, which was extremely sad. I wish that everyone that wanted to could do a speech like this, I certainly would.
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Rahi Patel
5/8/2012 11:57:16 am
I think that the "head faking" was a good idea and I think that he gave this Last Lecture for a good reason. It was one thing that he wrote this so his kids could remember it, but another thing that astonished me was all of the inspiring detail that he put into that one hour speech. I think that personally this was a great thing he did not only for his kids, but for the world. I personally describe Pausch as a great man, someone that was bold and very different. In this last section, I was feeling alot of mixed feelings. Honestly, I was getting bored of the book because I was sleepy at the time, when reading the book, I did not understand the second "head fake" thing, but in the video it was all clear to me. I was feeling , sad, happy and mixed up all in one inside, but I still really like the book and the video. Randy Pausch was quite the guy!
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Ali Ozymy
5/8/2012 12:27:15 pm
I think the legacy of Randy Pausch is a great one. As I read the end of the book I was very emotional. I thought it was very impressive that Randy kept himself composed when even I, simply a reader of the book, couldn't contain my emotions. The legacy of Randy Pausch is that you should live your life valuing people of things, have dreams, and have a Tigger outlook on life, and the rest will come to you. Its about head fakes, and optimism, even in the worst of times. I feel that Randy is a very inspiring person and had a very smart outlook on life. Randy gave a lecture that touched so many people and will one day touch the lives of his children. Randy's legacy is to never give up, even when the end is near.
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Adreesh Roy
5/8/2012 02:20:58 pm
By the end of the book, I was just about to start tearing up. This book truly changed my perspective on how to live life with the inherent obstacles that come with it. I will strive to become the people that are not filtered by the “brick wall,” but crossed the wall because they want things badly enough. This is a powerful imagery for anyone reading the book. As Randy exhibited the fact that dreams define life and challenges make those dreams worth attaining. His legacy would be to find good in people patiently, find good in yourself, make yourself valuable and leave a footprint for the world to remember you by.
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5/9/2012 06:50:14 am
When I was reading the end of the book, I felt very sad and teary, Randy was this amazing person and was a amazing professor, father, and son. He gave his kids a way to have him with them, even though he's not there anymore. His legacy was absolutly inspriring and terrific. He was a successful professor, a very good one that, who stuck his head out to believe in all of his students (the good or bed), and he always'd dream big and encouraging dreaming to everyone. Randy accomplished almost everyone of his childhood goals, that's really impressive and great he could do that! He set his mind to the limits, and he had so many great accomplishments in his life time. He taught me to believe in myself, and to set goals, and most of all dream big.
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Hauwa Oyebanji
5/9/2012 07:04:37 am
i was sad because randy was leaving is family, he handled the fact that he was going to be dead. everybody will rememeber randy because of his speech and he inspired a lot of people. am sad becuse his children won't see what a great dad he is, they wouldnt be able to remember how he live his life.
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5/9/2012 07:19:33 am
There are some things in life that you can't think of your reasoning behind doing them. Some things you just need to do, because it is apart of you, and you can't think of life without it. In Randy's legacy he managed to accomplish many things, like inspiring people to do exactly what he did, and what he was telling his kids to do. Which is to fulfill your childhood dreams.
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Helen Zhang
5/9/2012 07:40:00 am
As the I was reading the final section of the Last Lecture, I definitely teared up. However, as I was feeling sorrow, I remembered how positive Mr. Pausch was throughout his whole process of dying. I found myself feeling a bit jealous because I knew when my time comes close, I probably won't be as blissful as he was. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean I didn't learn from Mr. Pausch's actions. He taught me to live my life to the fullest. As cliche as that sounds, it truly is important to enjoy each moment and never think of them as a waste. Furthermore, he taught me that you should never give up on your goals and dreams.
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Aisha Espinosa
5/9/2012 07:45:07 am
I know I cried a little, reading the last chapter of the Last Lecture, because he was dying, after all. His positive attitude threw me off, and I realized that his legacy wasn't the virtual worlds, or the Disney Imagineer project he got to work on. No, it was his message to his kids, always underlying the other lessons in his last lecture. He basically told them that if they're going to dream, they might as well dream big. Because that's what life is really about. It's having the courage to dream big, and then the courage to chase after your dream. That will always be his legacy, but it was never meant for us. It was meant for his kids.
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Claire Jordan
5/9/2012 07:47:12 am
As I finished reading the book, I just got so sad because I knew that Randy was going to die. I knew it was coming, but I didn't want it to happen because he was such an inspirational man. I think over the years Randy had really learned how to live your life, and fortunately, he was willing to share that secret with everyone, especially his kids, at his Last Lecture.
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Anushka Limaye
5/9/2012 07:48:44 am
I feel that Randy's last legacy is one of good will, strong will, and a desire to keep going, a drive to keep going, even in the toughest of situations. He has to give his lecture because to him it's like a dying man's last words, no pun intended. He has to be a somebody to his kids, and that desire is not pideful or vain, it's a desire to tuck them in at night, and whisper I love you in their ears, but he can't, so he has to tell them that he loves them a different way, and when he says that if he were an artist, he would have drawn them a picture, or as a singer sung them a song, but because he is a professor,(i.e. lecturer), he talks to them, and he whispers his advice through the microphone, heard by all, but meant only for his kids, because he knows, he knows that Jai telling them that he loved them will never be enough to soothe the curiosity and doubt that will no doubt surface in their minds as they grow in years and in thoughts.
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Whitney Bras
5/9/2012 08:04:08 am
As I read the last part of this book I was overcome by lots of different emotions. I was so happy that his kids, and wife had this to look back on. I feel his legacy was truly great. He left life lessons, and proved that you can make the dreams you have come true. I also felt sad that Randy wasn't going to be there in person to help, watch. and encourage his kids to dream big. I know that his kids have a great resource of wisdom to have with them. I feel that when he explained the second head fake it made people realized what a great a dedicated father Randy was. This lecture has inspired so many people which will only encourage his kids more as they grow up! Randy's Last Lecture has really taught me how to dream big and how to get around those brick walls.
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Joseph Overman
5/9/2012 09:41:43 am
I see Randy's legacy as something that'll live on much longer than any normal person's. His life experiences and his skills as a professor allowed him to give an extremely detailed picture into his life. Unlike most people who don't know they're dying, Randy was actually able to plan the last glimpse that the world saw of him. As he mentioned in the book, he considered himself lucky that he actually got to spend the last days of his life knowing what was coming and making every second count. Randy's legacy will be The Last Lecture, and the whole idea of loving and caring for your kids even after you've passed. Although it's sad he died, he seemed pretty accepting about he. He couldn't save himself, so he tried his best to prepare his kids for the years to come. It's practically never a good thing for someone to die, but at least Randy is able to live on through his book and his last lecture.
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Joy Johnson
5/9/2012 09:52:45 am
I think the ending of this book is very touching and encouraging. It is sad because you know what is going to happen. Randy Pausch is a very encouraging person and he supports a lot of people. I think it is important that he left a legacy and important that he let his children and his wife that he loves/loved them. Randy left a lasting impact on everyone who watched his Last Lecture Presentation. Mr. Pausch let everyone know that they should follor their childhood dreams. He wanted to let people know that they can do certain things. They can achieve greatness! The legacy of Randy is magnificent. He left his children and wife an inspirational "lecture" about his life/dreams. Randy Pausch knew how to talk to people and he also knew how to teach. He used his teaching skills to tell people about life, through his terminal cancer. What a great man.
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Joshua Chow
5/9/2012 10:22:35 am
I feel that he did the right thing to give that speech. It was a powerful way to let his kids know he cared. He also gave an important message that people have forgotten to the world. I would say people would remember him for his speech. I would also remember him for his speech, but more. I will remember that he had cancer but stayed optimistic. I will remember that he truly believed in achieving your childhood dreams. I will remember that brick walls are there so that you could learn from them and become wiser when you have climbed over it.
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Marisa Villanueva
5/9/2012 10:35:49 am
Near the end of the book I fealt inspired, and sad, and I fealt like how can I complain about something as stupid as doing sprints in athletics when this man is dieing but somehow turns it into something wonderful. His kids are going to appreciate the fact that he wrote this book and did this lecture more than words can describe. He gives them a real look at him as a person. They will see how many people's lives he affected positivly. This man acheived so much in his life so why can't we? I think Randy's legacy is all about taking the best out of the worst and doing what makes you happy. None of his dreams or goals were based on what other people wanted of him. They were all what HE wanted and what made him happy. He believed in himself and everyone around him. You saw that everytime he talks about his students. In the book he says "Never lose the child-like wonder. It's just too important. It's what drives us" . And that is what he did. And others will remember that forever.
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Sakina Daresalamwala
5/9/2012 10:41:04 am
There were two emotions flooding my mind as I realized that this book was coming to an end. I felt mostly sad, but at the same time a little relieved that Mr. Pausch was finding closure. I sort of reflected on the whole book in my mind as I read that last section, and even though at the very end he said that this book was meant for his kids, I felt that this book could be a book of morals for anybody out there. He ended the book so well, going back into his last lecture and closing his book the same way. It was really touching, and it inspired me to live my life how he told us to. The legacy of Randy Pausch was to live life to the fullest and truly appreciate what was around you. It was to know and see your surroundings and to be prepared for the worst. There are so many things in his book that show how a person should live and his true legacy was the way to live. The legacy of Randy Pausch should be lived out through everybody.
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Alex Berend
5/9/2012 10:48:21 am
To say the absolute least, Randy Pausch is a respectable, likeable, thoughtful, selfless, and optimistic man. I would describe his legacy as not just a happy, postive legacy, but one that he used to help other people-- family and friends and strangers-- fulfill their childhood dreams, look at life from a better perspective, and appreciate what you have while exposing the potential that you obtain. We could sit here and mourn about a great man dying. But no, Randy wouldn't have wanted this. He would have wanted us to not take with us his death, but take his morals and teachings and put them in our life, to achieve ours and other peoples dreams and goals.
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Nithin Pingili
5/9/2012 10:54:42 am
As I was finishing the book, I felt sad that a loving and caring person like Randy Pausch was about to pass away, when he had given a last lecture worth remembering my entire life. Then I also felt grateful because Randy Pausch had changed many young people’s lives by inspiring them to achieve childhood dreams. The legacy of Randy Pausch is something that you would say “Achieved”. From the moment his childhood dreams began he was on a road to achieving his goals and he has done it with happiness and pride. I would truly say that Randy Pausch is a man that is worth while remembering for what he had said and done.
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Zachary Pranske
5/9/2012 11:06:29 am
There were a lot of feelings running through my mind as I read the last few chapters of the book. What would it be like to finally get married to your dream person, have 3 kids, and then never get to see any of them again? He had to let them know that he would always love them and wished he could still be there. He could have said it just to them, but for many reasons he couldn't. To Jai and maybe the oldest son, the words would fade and lose their passion and meaning over time. To the younger two, they would simply forget everything. So he had to show these people who he loved that he would always care for them. To him, the last lecture was a way to, at the same time, accomplish that and leave a legacy for him in the world. Randy Pausch's legacy would be that he finally got to tell the world who he was and show those he cared about that he would always miss them.
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christian spiller
5/9/2012 11:11:55 am
I definitely felt bad for him but loved the way he was taking the situation I thought it was very impressive he is on deaths door and he is in the best shape of his life. I also thought it was cool that he was going it for his kids and his peers he is so selfless even in his time of almost death.
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Sanjuktha Pendyala
5/9/2012 11:20:06 am
As I read the final section, I felt really bad and sad for his family, especially for his kids. The kids will growing up without a father. I had mixed emotions. He gets married to a beautiful woman and has three kids. And, then he finds out that he has pancreatic cancer and the worst part is that he only had a few months to live. He mainly gave The Last Lecture for his children, so they can see how good of a dad he is and to follow their dreams no matter what. He wants to show who he actually is to his children before he dies. Randy wants his kids to remember him by seeing The Last Lecture, watching his videos and, maybe, read his book. The legacy of Randy is just marvelous. I have no words. He is such a inspirational person. He always tells us to follow your dreams, never back down, which is totally true. I strongly agree with him. This book was basically about following your dreams and believing in your dreams.
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Siddharth Marella
5/9/2012 12:04:51 pm
I felt really bad for Randy why did such a good man receive a horrible punishment. It is unfair to people like him to suffer from such a disease. He had to give this speech out to the world because he wanted to make a point telling everyone to follow your dreams life is short. Our 80 years for most people is not enough. So follow you dreams and be the best.
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Nicholas Castorina
5/9/2012 12:25:46 pm
Randy first started his last lecture because he thought it was the right thing to do. After starting it and giving it, he realized that he had to do it for many reasons. First, it teaches others about his life and gives them a personal look at Randy before he dies. Also, he wanted something for his children to look back on and be able to get to know their father all over again. Because of these reasons, he realized that he needed to give this lecture not only to satisfy his own needs but also his children's. After reading this section, I felt very bad for him and his family, especially his children. But at least they knew their dad through his last lecture and he left them with a legacy from his life and to take in what he was talking about, and incorporate it into their own lives so they could be successful, happy, and to have a beautiful family just like he had.
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Caden Fernando
5/9/2012 12:36:38 pm
I feel like I have lost a friend. From the beginning I knew he would inevitably die, but throughout the book and lecture, I feel like I made a connection to him. We had been there throughout his journey in life, when he was 8, sitting on his bunk bed, dreaming, right to the last few months of his life. He did the right thing by preparing his family for a life without him, this was very responsible on his part. I think it is credible that even in his last year he was determined to leave an imprint of himself in his children's lives so they have something to remember him by. Randy Pausch's legacy can simply be described as selfless. He leaves the memory of him enabling the dreams of his students, children and friends. He lived his life by a "head fake," anything he did for one specific person applied to everyone, anything he did for everyone applied to his children. He was a model man and I hope those who comprehend his points rethought the process of their life.
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Lauren Villanueva
5/9/2012 01:01:09 pm
I like how you say that you feel like you lost a friend. I think everyone that read the book really made a connection with him. Also I think you captured his legacy perfectly.
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Lauren Villanueva
5/9/2012 12:58:38 pm
At the end of the book I felt sad yet happy that Randy was ok with what was going on. Everyone around him had accepted the truth even though they didn’t want to. When he talks about how he sped up the part where he said that it was for his kids I couldn’t picture it until we actually watched the video. I do like how the book ends on the happy family picture that was on the last slide. I think Randy left a great legacy not just in the Virtual Reality and science spectrum but also in the father spectrum. He shared his thoughts because he had to for his children to really know him and for the whole audience watching to truly know him.
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Miika Jarvela
5/9/2012 01:15:23 pm
I must admit that I usually do not have many emotions. I do actually, but I feel that it is hard to express how I feel about the conclusion to his Last Lecture. Obviously, it is something very tragic; he is dying (and has died) with an incurable illness. When I got past that fact, I felt a feeling of respect for him. He has accomplished a lot in his life, and it is very depressing that he is not going to be able to live out his life with his family and his legacy. I guess without his illness, he wouldn’t be as well known as he is now. He wouldn’t really have had a “Last” Lecture. I would describe that his legacy is enabling the dreams of others. He has probably helped countless kids and even young adults or adults achieve their dreams. Afterwards, they can help more and more people enable other peoples’ dreams. It is a cycle that will keep on going. He has many good qualities in him that we should all learn him. I believe that is his legacy. He has helped people even when he did not have much time left to live.
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Selase Buatsi
5/9/2012 02:51:36 pm
I think that deep inside Randy always knew that he had to give the lecture. I think that is why he tried so hard to persuade Jai. When I read the final section of the book, I didn’t get emotional. In fact I expected to get all teary eyed, but that didn’t happen. However thinking back to the book, I think it’s more emotional now than it was then (I’m not crying). Knowing how much he loved everyone and how he carried out his life, it kind of seems unfair. By giving his ‘Last Lecture’ Randy said goodbye and thank you to all his friends and the inspirational people in his life. Even though I probably said goodbye to his kids personally, he was also saying goodbye in the lecture. He left the lecture behind for his friends and family. His kids will mourn their father, but unlike many other kids, they can see and watch his goodbye to them over and over again. Randy Pausch defiantly left a legacy behind. He was a loving man that always tried hard and always listened to what people had to say to him. Thinking back to the book once more I think it is so sad, especially when he describes his children. While reading that part, I was thinking about how his kids will not get to grow up with him. It’s even more depressing to know that he didn’t make a miraculous recovery, or that the scan was wrong and he really had no tumors. It was sad to know that he actually died. Randy Pausch was a good man that will not be soon forgotten.
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Dhathri Bobba
5/9/2012 09:21:08 pm
I felt sadness because he was dying from cancer and I also feel sad for him because his children were just born and they will not get to grow up with a father's guidance. I believe that his legacy is a great way to leave something for his children to remember him by. He can give them the guidance they need through his lecture. He also was able to leave something to help other people achieve their dreams by giving them inspiration which he also enjoyed doing when he was not suffering from cancer.
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Josh Fink
5/9/2012 11:50:03 pm
Even at the beginning of the book, I could feel that randy wanted to give this last lecture not to celebrate his life or have people feel bad for him, but show the viewers and his kids how the small things in life can make a huge difference. When I was reading the end of this book, I didn't really want it to end. I wanted to hear more of his funny but valuable stories, and big things he learned throughout his life. Of course I, probably as many, were upset that a great and intelligent guy like Randy was passing away. Although in a way I was happy, because by reading this book it made me value my life, family, friends, and memories I have made and yet to make even more. Then at the very end, I was glad to see randy use his “head fake” line once again. The conclusion of the book made me realize the effects people have on me, and the effects I have on other people. The legacy of randy pausch I think will stand for a long, long time. I would like to have my kids read his book, and hope they have the same ideas as I do. Randy Pausch to me was a very smart, intelligent, witty, fun-loving guy, that had done a lot and still had a lot left in him. I think his attitude toward his condition is a life lesson for all of us. There are going to be bumps in the road, often huge bumps, but it is how you face those obstacles that matters. Randy show true signs of positivity throughout this book. He was a guy that over time realized learning is the most valuable thing in life. So try to show others the things you have learned. One of the main things I learned from Randy and his legacy is you don't have to be the smartest or most successful, but if you're a team player and always want to help others, eventually the dice will roll in your favor.
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Sujay Adhikari
5/10/2012 12:08:28 am
While reading the end of the book I had mixed emotions. I was sad because Randy isn’t able to see his kids grow and mature, but I was also pleased because he was able to leave a lasting impression on his kids through his lecture and all the videos he made. The legacy of Randy Pausch is a very positive and influential legacy. I think that for everyone who has read the book or has known Randy that a little bit of his legacy lives in us. I know that I will use his wisdom to be successful in my life.
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Kate Kaiser
5/10/2012 05:32:22 am
While reading the last section of the book, I felt multiple emotions. First of all, I was a little depressed. Throughout the whole book, Randy was pretty upbeat about making the preparations for his death. But then at the end of the book, it was finally over. He said that “the end of the talk had to be a distillation of how I felt about the end of my life.” During the whole book I kind of pictured Randy as a strong boulder. His emotions were in check, and he handled his death very calmly. But at the end, he feared that he would become too emotional to finish the lecture. He was in danger of choking up, and it just seemed that he had been weakened a little. Like the fight was finally over, which made me sad.
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Paige Worthington
5/10/2012 08:56:22 am
While reading the last part of the book, i felt sad. I knew that Randy would die but it didn't truly hit me until the end because by the time it got to his final words in the lecture I didn't think of him as a man that was dieing, but a person who was still trying to make a difference while he was still alive. So when it got to the final section, the realization that he would no longerbe another piece in this world hit hard.
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Isabelle Garza
5/10/2012 11:04:45 am
As I was reading this section I was thinking about how the end of the book symbolized the end of his life. Randy had been so happy and upbeat through out the entire book and as I turned every page I felt like I was going through the last moments of his life. The last words in the book were the words that would stick with the reader. He was getting down to the heart of his speech and the real meaning behind everything he had written about. It was the part that really made you think, "Wow. This man is dying and is still managing to touch millions of lives." I understand what he means when he said that he wasnt giving the speech becasue he wanted to, but because he had to. He was going to leave behind 3 children and a wife and they needed to have a peice of him. The last lecture was the perfect thing to leave them. He wouldnt be there to tell his children the things they needed to know about life when they were older so he had to do it so they could look back on his advice later. I think the legacy of randy will be someone that had an everlasting impresson on many people and a man that had an amazing understanding of how to live your life.
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Belle Tan
5/10/2012 11:18:53 am
As we got to the end of the book, I was really sad. It almost seem impossible that the man who gave this amazing lecture was going to die.
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Rudy Rampersad
5/10/2012 11:35:40 am
The moment before I read the last section of the Last Lecture I was overcome with mixed emotions. I was happy to hear the conclusion to the extraordinary lecture. I was sad, because I knew that this life was about to end. I was amazed to hear the thoughts of this man. And to be honest, I was a little bit relieved to know that the book was finally completed. But back on the topic of Randy, this man was truly a genius and a master of the “head fake”. He was a smart, yet arrogant man who had humbled over the years and is now a wise father of three children he hopes will grow up to be fine people. That is his legacy in my words and by reading this book, I really got to know Randy, even though he would have no I idea who I was. Overall though, Randy Pausch was a terrific man.
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Michelle Zhang
5/10/2012 12:33:43 pm
I think that the legacy that Randy left is to just believe. His childhood dreams, well, they seemed near impossible, some of them, but he just believed he could and worked and worked until he got it. The legacy that he's leaving behind is being a good person in all ways, a good professor, a good mentor, a good dad, a good husband, and a really, really good lecturer.
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Myles Paschall
5/10/2012 01:03:26 pm
As i read the last section i felt that it was the right move by randy to give the last lecture. Not because he wanted to because im sure he would have loved to spend his last couple of months with his wife and kids, but because he had to for the sake of his children growing up and the legacy that he left behind. Nodody will now forget Randy and what he did for his children and family.
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Elbio Guedilla
5/10/2012 01:08:16 pm
Personally I had mixed emotions I was happy yet really sad because he lived life to the fullest he could yet I wish he could of have done more because he to me looks like that kind of guy that would like to live on in life.
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Vishnu Kunadharaju
5/10/2012 01:12:26 pm
I felt sad at towards the end of the book. He was this great guy from what I had read and that he could not continue be here and live on for his children. I think Randy Pausch had a great legacy. He taught many of his students to achieve there dreams and he always helped other students to achieve there dreams. He also taught us how lead your life the right way. During the his Last Lecture I felt like he was passing down his legacy to us and that he wanted everyone to lead there life and achieve there dreams and also help other people enable them achieve there dreams.
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Zane Erickson
5/13/2012 05:50:33 am
Randy's legacy will hopefully be lived on through his children but currently his legacy is the book, the book will represent him for many years to come. The last chapters of the book are sad but they definitely make a good conclusion the book comes very full circle but the circle does not end in a good place.
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Haris Rafiq
5/13/2012 10:17:30 am
There are definitely some things in life we need to achieve. Randy reminds me of an artist. Yes, teaching can be fun and exciting, but it's also your duty as a teacher to make sure you get important impressions to your students. Same with an artist. Artists don't just paint pictures because it's fun to paint them. They paint because they want other people to see their art and enjoy it.
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