Beer brewing and self-discovery
I
What do academics and beer brewing have in common? More than you might think. This is the story of how stepping off the beaten path to explore an entirely different interest helped me clear my mind and find new direction.
The year was 2016, a time when the world seemed to be in turmoil. Looking back now, in 2023, it seems that the past years, the world has always been in turmoil. These are some events that happened in 2016:
- Britain votes to leave the EU
- Russia interferes in the US presidential election
- Donald Trump becomes president of the US
- Rodrigo Duterte becomes president of the Philippines
- A failed coup in Turkey
- Eastern Aleppo falls in an ongoing war in Syria
After completing my first (and last) PostDoc, I felt the need for a break, to take things slow and explore new interests.
II
I was intrigued by the world of data science and I began learning Python and delving into machine learning. I even became involved in an open-source project that aimed to analyze and categorize information from the web based on its validity. I also became member of the PyData Berlin community and being part of a tech community was very useful in getting up to speed with the various things that were going on in the field.
As I immersed myself in the world of technology, I couldn't ignore the exciting craft beer boom happening around me in Berlin. With summer approaching, I found myself drawn to the vibrant and creative world of beer brewing. I decided not just to taste the vast array of craft beers available, but to learn how to make them myself.
At that point, I really thought about becoming a beer brewer. I attended some brewing courses in Berlin, bought the necessary equipment, and started brewing at home. Little did I know that this new hobby would lead to some of my most cherished memories.
I can still recall the heat on that summer day in Berlin and the cold, refreshing sensation of the beer in my hand, and the pride of knowing I brewed it myself. As I walked down Wühlischstraße in Friedrichshain, the brown bottle beading with condensation, I reveled in the simple joy of being momentarily unemployed and enjoying the fruits of my labor in a bustling park.
IV
Although I never pursued a career in beer brewing, the experience left an indelible mark on my life. So many intense memories from that period have stayed with me.
This is what I learned: stepping outside of the standard path for some time can clear your mind and help you think about new directions. I couldn't have gained that clarity and personal growth by walking the standard path; I needed to venture outside.
My short journey in beer brewing reminded me something: it is never late to explore, and we should not stop exploring and discovering new interests and passions.