It gives us an opportunity to learn from another person's experience and it can shape, strengthen or challenge our opinions and values. When a story catches our attention and engages us, we are more likely to absorb the message and meaning within it than if the same message was presented simply in facts and figures.
You will need to add the commas as follows: I think Robert, Mary Jane, Andrea, Lee Ann, and Milton should be on the planning committee. There are 4 commas.