I firmly stand behind the belief that “experience is the best teacher”. All aspects of life can be taught, but to fully understand a situation I feel you need to experience it. Examples where experience is the best teacher are: shooting a gun, sky diving, playing a musical instrument, driving a car, and becoming a parent. While someone can explain how to shoot, release a parachute, park, learning the right breathing technique for playing the oboe, or change a diaper, you need to learn from first hand experience to understand the concept.
When I started the 3rd grade, I was given an opportunity to join my schools’ band. Music was a big part of my household, and I couldn’t wait to learn to play the flute. Every girl I knew played the flute; it was the “cool” thing to do at the time. My first day in music was interesting and disappointing; there were not enough flutes for everyone to have. So, after drawing straws I was one of three that did not get a flute. The band teacher gave me an option; learn to play the saxophone or oboe. I asked if I could learn to play both, and to my surprise he said yes. Learning to breathe correctly while playing the oboe was difficult, not something someone could have given me instructions to do. The first time I tried to breathe through the double reed I passed out. From what I have learned now, I was not the first, nor the last to do so. With the experience of learning to play both instruments I am proud to say I have played for 3 former Presidents (George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H. Bush), as well as the U.S Marine Corps Band, Army Band, and The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. This is not something I could have learned without experience.
As I have stated, there are many life situations that can’t be learned unless you dive, fly, or drop in and experience it first hand. It may take holding a gun, putting your hands on the steering wheel while placing your foot