Posts Tagged ‘achieving dreams’

Working For an Education Is Made of Happy

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

I am of the opinion that people end up valuing most what they have to work their butts off at, be it a skill, a relationship, or an education. This high school program incorporates one 8-hour work day per week to help pay for their tuition, and this work day is mandatory. 100% of the student body graduated and goes on to college. This is remarkable because the kids who attend are not your average college-bound kids.

“One of my uncles, he got locked up when I was young, he always told me to stand up for myself, I see him as a role model, he taught me to defend myself.” Ramon Quevedo lives in South Central, Los Angeles where gangs are a normal part of life and looking over your shoulder is habit. He loves Al Pacino’s Scarface, the Oakland Raiders and video games. At eight, Ramon was angry and liked to fight and in middle school, Ramon was ditching, tagging, and involved in illegal activities having to do with drugs and guns.

Via SoCal Connected

I love stories of people overcoming their circumstances to become someone better. I love that this kid’s mom tried everything she knew to try to set him straight and did not give up. I love that this kid admits to his temptations, but knows which path is going to pay off in the long run. Keep working hard! Ramon Quevedo’s new future is made of happy.

The Last Lecture

Friday, December 12th, 2008

This is an old video and you may have seen it before. In fact, you probably have. But it deserves its place here. Here is the description from the YouTube page for the lecture.

Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals. For more, visit www.cmu.edu/randyslecture.

Professor Pausch gave this lecture after having been diagnosed with brain cancer. The very fact that he can give hope and inspire others to achieve in his own situation is remarkable. On top of that, the lecture itself is one that stays with you. This is the kind of real-life hero to admire. He brings me hope in humanity, that we can individually contribute to a better future.