THE LAST LECTURE

#SMEDE11

On September 18, 2007, Carnegie Mellon professor and alumnus Randy Pausch, who was dying of pancreatic cancer, delivered a one-of-a-kind last lecture that made the world stop and pay attention. It became an internet sensation viewed by millions, and international media story and a best-selling book that has been published in more than 35 languages – making it a favourite of kids, parents, teachers around the world. (www.cmu.edu/randyslecture/)

As we are nearing the end of a final BTech year, the last lecture by Randy Pausch, which teaches one how to really achieve your childhood dreams, comes to mind. For many a full-time student the study period of four years is over and they are ready to conquer the world – filled with dreams of making a difference in the workplace.

As a mature student I have long ago made my childhood dreams a reality. But that does not mean that other dreams do not crop up during one’s lifetime. As they do, they need to be nurtured and they too wait to be fulfilled. It is against this background that my last 2011 Communication Science lecture at CPUT holds the promise of being provided with the necessary knowledge, skills and leadership to go forth and achieve the following dream :

To successfully incorporate the walking guided tours of Cape Town Station into the excursion curriculum of primary schools. As per inspiration from the last lecture, the year 2012 awaits for the realization of this achievable dream.