Future Ted: [v.o.] In the winter of 2012 the skyscraper that I designed was about to open, which got me thinking about the most influential architecture professor I ever had.
[flashback to Ted in a college lecture:]
Professor Vinick: So when the children of our grandchildren's children ask us "Who were we," they'll find the answer carved into the granite poetry of our architecture. Okay. It doesn't get any better than that. Class dismissed.
Ted: Wow, just wow.
Professor Vinick: Do you need something? I have an apple I was hoping to eat in silence.
Ted: Of course, Professor Vinick, I, um, I-I sketched out a design, and it'd be such an honor if you took a look at it.
Professor Vinick: Oh, well. It is believed that it took the pharaohs over 100 years to build the Sphinx.
Ted: So... you think... I should spend more time on it?
Professor Vinick: Oh, dear God, no. This is terrible.
Ted: Then, why'd you mention the Sphinx?
Professor Vinick: [laughs] I find my mind is often with the Sphinx. Anyway, you'll never be an architect. [echoes] You'll never be an architect. You'll never be an architect. You'll never be an architect!
[present:]
Ted: Well, guess what. I sent Professor Vinick the invitation to the opening of my building, so he'll see that I did become an architect, and that I've moved past his petty, hurtful words.