Experiences definitively refer to practical or emotional events or occurrences that leave a lasting impression on an individual. Experiences can thus be good or bad, but both aspects are essential for the individual’s learning. On the other hand, memories refer to retained information regarding experiences, facts, events, over time by the mental faculty and can later be used to influence actions. Experiences vary from one individual to another despite their goodness or ugliness, and as such, how they affect one individual does not necessarily determine how they influence another.
Thesis statement : Despite the scope of their complexity, experiences are more fundamental because they create memories and further become significant learning guides through which individuals live more productive and educated lives.
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Discussion
An individual has to undergo a specific experience first before the memories memory creation happens. In other words, without experiences, memories of them cannot exist –making experiences particularly pivotal. Also, experiences foster learning. Corroborating with this assertion is Merriam & Clark (2006) who ascertain that experiences promote learning and thus become substantial learning opportunities despite the experiences being good or bad. Indeed, experiences shape individuals thus bolstering their productivity in life, and in the process educate them. It is through this education process that memories are created as reference points for future actions. For instance, in a work environment, having prior experience for a particular job position makes one more successful at a job and as a result, earns more or gets a more desirable job.
Ultimately, experiences bring joy, especially when they are shared. Thus, as a designed biological consequence of experiences, memories are created thanks to the brain’s neuroplasticity –the ability to change and adapt due to experiences, (Transitional Learning Center, 2019). It is through sharing the memories that joy and cohesion between individuals in a relationship are realized.
Conclusion
Borrowing from Maya Angelou; individuals will forget what other people said or did, but will never forget how they made them feel. Thus experiences evoke emotions, and it is from these emotions that experiences are denoted as good or bad. On this accord, experiences are vital to people because they not only foster learning but also create neuropathways which are activated later in life when contemplating what actions to take in the face of a similar experience. To this end, experiences are more important than memories of them which could wane over time.
References
Merriam, S. B., & Clark, M. C. (2006). Learning from life experience: What makes it significant? International journal of lifelong education , 12 (2), 129-138. https://doi.org/10.1080/0260137930120205
The Transitional Learning Center. (2019). Neuroplasticity. Retrieved from http://tlcrehab.org/index.php/why-tlc/neuroplasticity/
