My Attitude on Money

 Create a Life of Meaning...

Based on the "Last Lecture" of Randy Pausch 

Why do you think Randy Pausch was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams?

In my opinion, Randy Pausch was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams because         he did not give up.  Rather than letting the "brick walls" keep him out, he proved he wanted it badly enough.  He faced obstacles and challenges (brick walls) just like we all do, but that didn't stop him.  When brick walls hit, he found other ways to accomplish his dreams.  He used them as opportunities rather than excuses to quit.  Randy Pausch is a true example of tenacity.  His work ethic, vision and execution plan was non questionable.  Tenacity is so important.  Another factor, in my opinion, is that rather than looking at something great and wanting to be a part of it, he wanted to create it.  Just like his Disney story.  Most importantly, he had dreams.  Without dreams, there is no dream to accomplish.  His dreams were big!  His dreams were his motivation and his direction and he amazingly accomplished almost all of them.  

Do you feel that dreaming is important? Why or why not?

I absolutely think dreaming is important. Dreams keep us progressing.  Without dreams, accomplishments would be so few.  I think everyone should have a dream board of sort and go get it.  Dreams are our motivation, our vision, our destiny.  Dreams keep us up at night and occupy our thought process.  Dreams are worth the work it will take to accomplish.  The every day demands and responsibilities of life will break you down without the possibility of dreaming and dreaming big.  I am a big believer that dreams, with enough work, can be fulfilled.  We live in a world of opportunity.  

Discuss at least one of your childhood dreams. Explain why you believe you can or cannot achieve this dream.

One of my childhood dreams was to play basketball professionally.  I dreamed of playing on tv.  I loved the sport and practiced and trained harder than anyone I knew.  I knew if given the opportunity, I would accomplish it...because as a kid, I wouldn't stop until I got there.  Hard work and determination I did not lack.  I dreamed of the existence of a professional women's basketball league and being a big part of it.  That dream, however, had its limitations that I had no control over.  Like the fact, that when I was "eligible" to play, the WNBA did not exist.  I know I am aging myself right now, but the WNBA came years later.  Not a total loss however.  I am now coaching and training athletes to go follow their dreams.  Opportunities for young athletes right now are unreal.  I find it a huge blessing to help others accomplish their dreams.  Right now, those dreams are to play D1 ball and D1 ball I am training them for.  

Another childhood dream was to give to others what I had.  I grew up in a rough situation.  I won't go into details here, but life was tough.  My childhood was often times painful. (My parents did the best they could to raise us and I am ever so thankful for the life they provided).  As years passed and I met some really good people, opportunities, I always felt unworthy of, came into my path.  Every time I did something new - like water ski, or ride on a boat, etc, I immediately wanted my younger brother to experience.  It would pain me that I was able to do things he never would be able to. I grew a deep passion at a very young age to give equal opportunities to others. This continues to be a huge dream of mine and I WILL find a way to provide opportunities for others.  I should not be any more blessed than anyone else.  God has opened doors for me, that I was undeserving of, and I will do the same for others.