the ability to learn is a skill;
the willingness to learn is a choice."
In so many ways, your attitude towards learning largely determines whether you learn or not. If you believe there is something to be learned and therefore some benefit, you'll make the time and effort to do so. But if you think the opportunity is useless and forced upon you, you likely won't make the most of it.
I think you could liken the situation to that of a good friend, a good friend tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear and likewise a good learning experience teaches you what you need to grow, not just what you already know. The key for success in both situations is choosing to listen and learn from what is there.