Open Book Open Notes

Back in 1980, I took a Process Control Design class at U of H from Dr. Curtis Johnson.  On the first day of class, he told us that all tests and quizzes would be open book and open notes.  I’m paraphrasing, but here is the gist of what he said.  “I’m not really interested in how well you can cram and memorize things for a test…I’m more interested in how well you listen and you ability to use resources…come to class…pay attention… take good notes, and you will do well…”  Since I made an A in the class, I must have done it right.

I approach life with a similar philosophy.  I pay attention, surround myself with good people, and take mental notes.  In my line of work, technology changes too fast for me to be on the leading edge with deep knowledge of it all.  Rather than scouring the internet and trying to rapid read books, I ask questions of those around me, and they do the same with me.  When I learn something new, I mentally jot it down.  There are multitudes of new things to learn from people and experiences each day.  Take notes, pay attention, and surround yourself with good people.  Life should be like an open book open notes test rather than a cram to the finish line.