As a freelance writer I'd be asked to become an expert for various magazines on any subject whether food or wine or history or the life span of veterinarians. I was completely unschooled in any of these things.
My dad got me a huge board when I was little. He loves to surf. He suited me up and sent me out on this huge wave. I went under and when I came out and the board hit me in the face. So I said I never wanted to do this again. I stayed away until I was 13.