Questions: Personal Dreams and Goals 1. Randy Pausch emphasizes the importance of childhood dreams. What were some of Randy's dreams, and how did he work to achieve them, even when they seemed impossible? Reflect on your own childhood dreams-are they still relevant to you today? How can you take steps to pursue them, or have they evolved into something new?

Randy Pausch, a professor of computer science, human-computer interaction, and design at Carnegie Mellon University, is well-known for his "Last Lecture," which he delivered after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. In this lecture, he emphasized the importance of achieving one's childhood dreams and shared his own experiences in doing so.

1. Becoming a Disney Imagineer:

   • Dream: Randy dreamed of becoming a Disney Imagineer, the creative engineers behind Disney theme parks.
   • Achievement: Despite initial rejections, Randy persisted. He networked, gained relevant experience, and eventually worked on the Aladdin project at Disney, fulfilling his dream.

2. Experiencing Zero Gravity:

   • Dream: Randy wanted to experience zero gravity.
   • Achievement: He found a way to achieve this by organizing a student project that allowed him to accompany his students on a NASA "vomit comet" flight, which simulates zero gravity.

3. Playing in the NFL:

   • Dream: Randy aspired to play in the National Football League (NFL).
   • Achievement: While he never played in the NFL, he learned valuable life lessons from playing football, such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, which he applied throughout his life.

4. Authoring an Article in the World Book Encyclopedia:

   • Dream: Randy wanted to contribute to the World Book Encyclopedia.
   • Achievement: He achieved this dream by writing an article on virtual reality, a field in which he was an expert.

Reflecting on your own childhood dreams can be a powerful exercise. Consider the following questions:

• Are They Still Relevant?: Think about whether your childhood dreams still resonate with you. Some dreams may remain relevant, while others may have evolved as you grew older and your interests changed.

• Steps to Pursue Them: If your dreams are still relevant, identify actionable steps to pursue them. This might include gaining new skills, networking, or setting specific goals. For example, if you dreamed of becoming a writer, you could start by writing regularly, attending workshops, and seeking publication opportunities.

• Evolution of Dreams: Sometimes, childhood dreams evolve into new aspirations. Reflect on how your interests and goals have changed over time. For instance, a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut might evolve into a passion for space science or engineering.

If your childhood dream was to become a musician, but you now work in a different field, consider how you can still incorporate music into your life. You might take up music lessons, join a local band, or simply make time to play an instrument as a hobby.

In conclusion, Randy Pausch's journey teaches us that while some dreams may seem impossible, persistence, creativity, and adaptability can help us achieve them. Reflecting on your own dreams can provide valuable insights into your passions and guide you in pursuing a fulfilling life.