I worked for a PBS station back in '87 (in Ohio) and got assigned to produce a segment on skydiving - for a cultural arts and events program! Go figure.
I went out to "check out the place" and Dean Giannantonio, Jay Luccioni and Ed Ganley were there. With a twinkle in their eyes they said, "You know, you're not really qualified to tell a story on it unless you've done it." At first I said "Oh no no no no no....". Then that small still voice said "Mary Pat, are you looking a gift-horse in the mouth?"
I landed from my first tandem absolutely enamored. Inspired to write about it.