Imagineering Disney: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

Many of you may already know about Randy Pausch's story. But for those of you that don't, then its about time you heard about his inspiring story. . .

Dr. Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University in computer science. He was diagnosed in 2006 with terminal pancreatic cancer and told that he had only months to live. The school had an ongoing lecture series called "the last lecture" in which professors were asked to prepare a lecture as if it would be the last one they would ever deliver. For Randy Pausch, it became the truth. Though Dr. Pausch lived a decent while longer than his prognosis suggested, he passed away on July 25, 2008.

Why is this relevant to Imagineering? Randy Pausch did some consulting during sabaticals for Imagineering and helped develop the virtual reality Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride that had was featured at Epcot and Disneyland during the 90's. Randy also speaks a lot about his childhood dream to work for WDI and the persistance it took to realize that dream.

Here is the video of the entire lecture. Be forewarned, this lecture is an hour and sixteen minutes long. It is a very rewarding experience should you choose to watch it in its entirety. Notice that Pausch proudly wears his Imagineering shirt and name tag!

I understand that many people have time constraints, or a short attention span, so I've also included the reprised 10 minute version that Dr. Pausch presented on Oprah.

The worldwide popularity of The Last Lecture lead to a best-selling book adaptation, which summarizes the lecture and features more in-depth anecdotes and life lessons from Dr. Pausch. Even if you've watched the lecture, I cannot recommend this book enough, it has made a profound impact on me and should be a part of any future Imagineer's collection. Click on the cover below to head on over to amazon.com and pick it up