I had a lot of time to read today at work and finished reading it during my prep hour. The last couple of chapters were tear jerkers and I had to pull myself together as I left the classroom and went to an assembly.
When I got there, this is what I found (he is placed on a table for his presentations):
Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs nor a medical prognosis of why or how this happened. He had the intense attention of every student in the auditorium--a feat that is hard to do with middle school students. He had a fun sense of humor and a lot of positive energy. He talked about never giving up and if one thing doesn't work, try again another way. He also reiterated to the students how beautiful they are and that beauty comes from the inside. And finally he talked about finding your purpose in life. It was an incredible assembly and I know it touched many lives of these young people. (Check out his website at http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/) What an uplifting day as I experienced on several levels people overcoming difficult obstacles with a positive attitude.
13 comments:
I have seen the lecture on Oprah- how inspiring! So sad that he passed away a few weeks ago. I have also heard of the other man, too- seriously, I am not complaining about my life again! Life is so what you make of it, and these two are proof of that! thanks for sharing!
Isn't it amazing what we can do with our lives,and help others to grow...you have been blessed and uplifted, and you continue to inspire me! The Dean of Brendon's med school gave all of the first year students a copy of "The Last Lecture" and he said he couldn't put it down. A few of my friends went to see Nick at a church here in Corona, what an impact for good he is. Just makes you want to do good things with the time we have.
I have been wanting to read that book too. I think I will have to go and get it. Sounds very inspiring. And that man who spoke at your assembly sounds incredibly inspiring too. It's things like that that makes you put things in perspective.
Wow, what a great day for you. I would have loved to see that man speak. I love how most people with major disabilities conquer more in their lives than people without disbilities. What a great show of charactor.
About the book, I am going to read it as well. I have heard much of his lecture, and seen his speak, and he was a truly remarkable man. And speaking of remarkable men, Nick has spoken at my church, and at Harvest. I have seen Greg Laurie's interview with him, and actually at our church, it was video, but I then went to read more about him. He is a gift to the world. He has so much to say, so much to give, and hearing him makes you put the proper perspective on what most consider life's problems. What a day for you!!!!
Wow! That is an amazing day! I have also been intrigued by Randy Pausch. What an amazing guy with an amazing family. That guy at your assembly is incredible! What an inspiration!
I need to get that book too. I have heard so much about it.
I do think Randy Pausch has such a great attitude and has inspired a lot of people to be better. I don't know what my problem is. I get a little bothered by all his publicity. He's a great guy who didn't let his cancer get him down. Awesome. But there are a lot of people in this world who go through cancer or any other life struggle with the same good attitude who just haven't capitalized on it. Regardless, I've fallen into the trap and I've been impressed with him, too. But all the countless specials on TV about him are enough for me. I have no desire to read his book.
Now the other guy...what a great opportunity for these junior-high kids to hear him speak. I bet that affected most of them.
Oh my word, I love both of these men. I saw the first man on Oprah. Wow. SO amazing. And the second guy's youtube link was sent to me. I love his happy outlook. What tremendous outlooks on life. That's so amazing you got to see him in person!!
This message is for Katie:
It was never Randy Pausch's intention to be self promoting. He was asked, as many senior professors are, to give a last lecture. Ironically, his WAS actually his last lecture as he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The lecture was well received and the media went wild with it. It was then that it was also made into a book with additions and revisions from the lecture.
He and his wife discussed in depth whether or not they wanted be public with this very private/personal part of their life. In the end, it was decided that this would be an opportunity for their children to see their father "in his element." As he says, the lecture is for his children.
It turns out, this is a wonderful revenue for his wife now that she is faced with raising three little children on her own.
I totally get that...And I do think he's great. I guess then, it's the media I have a problem with. Or maybe his followers. He seems to have a religious-like following. People are looking for help during struggles and look to him. It seems a little false prophet-ish. I realize that's not his doing.
My mom just sent me that book to read. I will have to read it for sure now. What an awesome assembly. It makes me miss teaching.
I also recently read this book and really liked it. This man was so positive and left behind a great legacy in his book. I also noticed from the book list in your profile that we have read and enjoyed many of the same books.
Debbie
Post a Comment