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[1/20] My students often ask me how I learnt to make nice images for papers, cool diagrams, videos or programs. So here goes some facts about my personal experiences to show the benefits of autodidacticism and hobbies... and how these can influence your future.
Opening Thread:
![[1/20] My students often ask me how I learnt to make nice images for papers, cool diagrams, videos or programs. So here goes some facts about my personal experiences to show the benefits of autodidacticism and hobbies... and how these can influence your future.Opening Thread:](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eex-vncWkAkQJ4X.png "[1/20] My students often ask me how I learnt to make nice images for papers, cool diagrams, videos or programs. So here goes some facts about my personal experiences to show the benefits of autodidacticism and hobbies... and how these can influence your future.Opening Thread:")
Opening Thread:
[2/20] EXAMPLE 1. I started learning computer programming languages by myself when I was 13. Computers were very fascinating then — that's one of the reasons the 80s were cool. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum with 48 KB of memory, which I used to learn BASIC coding.
![[2/20] EXAMPLE 1. I started learning computer programming languages by myself when I was 13. Computers were very fascinating then — that's one of the reasons the 80s were cool. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum with 48 KB of memory, which I used to learn BASIC coding.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eex--glXsAMcb42.jpg "[2/20] EXAMPLE 1. I started learning computer programming languages by myself when I was 13. Computers were very fascinating then — that's one of the reasons the 80s were cool. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum with 48 KB of memory, which I used to learn BASIC coding.")
![[2/20] EXAMPLE 1. I started learning computer programming languages by myself when I was 13. Computers were very fascinating then — that's one of the reasons the 80s were cool. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum with 48 KB of memory, which I used to learn BASIC coding.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eex_Y49XgAAryBH.jpg "[2/20] EXAMPLE 1. I started learning computer programming languages by myself when I was 13. Computers were very fascinating then — that's one of the reasons the 80s were cool. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum with 48 KB of memory, which I used to learn BASIC coding.")
![[2/20] EXAMPLE 1. I started learning computer programming languages by myself when I was 13. Computers were very fascinating then — that's one of the reasons the 80s were cool. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum with 48 KB of memory, which I used to learn BASIC coding.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyBR5EXgAUxUQ4.png "[2/20] EXAMPLE 1. I started learning computer programming languages by myself when I was 13. Computers were very fascinating then — that's one of the reasons the 80s were cool. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum with 48 KB of memory, which I used to learn BASIC coding.")
[3/20] I remember my very first simple program, a temperature converter. A few years later I learnt other coding languages (C, PASCAL). This opened a new world to me: at the age of 14 I was already familiarised with new concepts — from statistics, matrices to formal logic...
![[3/20] I remember my very first simple program, a temperature converter. A few years later I learnt other coding languages (C, PASCAL). This opened a new world to me: at the age of 14 I was already familiarised with new concepts — from statistics, matrices to formal logic...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyBWudX0Ag4uHf.jpg "[3/20] I remember my very first simple program, a temperature converter. A few years later I learnt other coding languages (C, PASCAL). This opened a new world to me: at the age of 14 I was already familiarised with new concepts — from statistics, matrices to formal logic...")
![[3/20] I remember my very first simple program, a temperature converter. A few years later I learnt other coding languages (C, PASCAL). This opened a new world to me: at the age of 14 I was already familiarised with new concepts — from statistics, matrices to formal logic...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyBWukXsAAuJr-.jpg "[3/20] I remember my very first simple program, a temperature converter. A few years later I learnt other coding languages (C, PASCAL). This opened a new world to me: at the age of 14 I was already familiarised with new concepts — from statistics, matrices to formal logic...")
[4/20] ... I enjoyed the beauty of logic in programming — how useful it is for developing capacities for problem solving. Learning this when I was young would help me many times. For example, when I did my MSc thesis using MathCad to model reactive transport in porous media.
![[4/20] ... I enjoyed the beauty of logic in programming — how useful it is for developing capacities for problem solving. Learning this when I was young would help me many times. For example, when I did my MSc thesis using MathCad to model reactive transport in porous media.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyBk5fX0AEd8kJ.jpg "[4/20] ... I enjoyed the beauty of logic in programming — how useful it is for developing capacities for problem solving. Learning this when I was young would help me many times. For example, when I did my MSc thesis using MathCad to model reactive transport in porous media.")
[5/20] EXAMPLE 2. Since I was 10 years-old I loved astronomy and astrophysics. I got my first telescope at 13. For many years I got exposed to many concepts in chemistry, physics, geology, maths — which unfortunately were not taught at my (monotonous old-fashion) high school.
![[5/20] EXAMPLE 2. Since I was 10 years-old I loved astronomy and astrophysics. I got my first telescope at 13. For many years I got exposed to many concepts in chemistry, physics, geology, maths — which unfortunately were not taught at my (monotonous old-fashion) high school.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyDoewWoAMvKuk.jpg "[5/20] EXAMPLE 2. Since I was 10 years-old I loved astronomy and astrophysics. I got my first telescope at 13. For many years I got exposed to many concepts in chemistry, physics, geology, maths — which unfortunately were not taught at my (monotonous old-fashion) high school.")
![[5/20] EXAMPLE 2. Since I was 10 years-old I loved astronomy and astrophysics. I got my first telescope at 13. For many years I got exposed to many concepts in chemistry, physics, geology, maths — which unfortunately were not taught at my (monotonous old-fashion) high school.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyFqekXYAAalcn.jpg "[5/20] EXAMPLE 2. Since I was 10 years-old I loved astronomy and astrophysics. I got my first telescope at 13. For many years I got exposed to many concepts in chemistry, physics, geology, maths — which unfortunately were not taught at my (monotonous old-fashion) high school.")
[6/20] Later on I would learnt new and captivating topics, like CCD imaging, digital image processing, orbital mechanics, fractals, nuclear chemistry, optics... I felt really proud when (at 15) I understood the proton-proton and CNO cycle happening in the cores of stars or...
![[6/20] Later on I would learnt new and captivating topics, like CCD imaging, digital image processing, orbital mechanics, fractals, nuclear chemistry, optics... I felt really proud when (at 15) I understood the proton-proton and CNO cycle happening in the cores of stars or...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyEQSUWAAEAh4J.jpg "[6/20] Later on I would learnt new and captivating topics, like CCD imaging, digital image processing, orbital mechanics, fractals, nuclear chemistry, optics... I felt really proud when (at 15) I understood the proton-proton and CNO cycle happening in the cores of stars or...")
[7/20] ... when I understood the Milankovitch cycles or the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. In fact, this hobby exposed me to many interesting concepts and allowed me to identify my professional goals. At the age of 16 I knew REALLY well who and what I wanted to become in life.
![[7/20] ... when I understood the Milankovitch cycles or the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. In fact, this hobby exposed me to many interesting concepts and allowed me to identify my professional goals. At the age of 16 I knew REALLY well who and what I wanted to become in life.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyIPxJWkAMEi-E.jpg "[7/20] ... when I understood the Milankovitch cycles or the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. In fact, this hobby exposed me to many interesting concepts and allowed me to identify my professional goals. At the age of 16 I knew REALLY well who and what I wanted to become in life.")
[8/20] It goes without saying that it was a great pleasure to learn how to use astronomical equipment (telescopes, CCD cameras, software). Nothing is more rewarding than identifying what you see and understanding your place in the Universe when you look at the night sky.
![[8/20] It goes without saying that it was a great pleasure to learn how to use astronomical equipment (telescopes, CCD cameras, software). Nothing is more rewarding than identifying what you see and understanding your place in the Universe when you look at the night sky.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyGOcqWAAAeh6l.jpg "[8/20] It goes without saying that it was a great pleasure to learn how to use astronomical equipment (telescopes, CCD cameras, software). Nothing is more rewarding than identifying what you see and understanding your place in the Universe when you look at the night sky.")
[9/20] I remember that at the time I was beginning my PhD I was already participating in observation campaigns led by the American Association of Variable Star Observers to study several cataclysmic variable stars and novae (with photometric observations) and also...
![[9/20] I remember that at the time I was beginning my PhD I was already participating in observation campaigns led by the American Association of Variable Star Observers to study several cataclysmic variable stars and novae (with photometric observations) and also...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyF6J_X0AAgI_N.jpg "[9/20] I remember that at the time I was beginning my PhD I was already participating in observation campaigns led by the American Association of Variable Star Observers to study several cataclysmic variable stars and novae (with photometric observations) and also...")
![[9/20] I remember that at the time I was beginning my PhD I was already participating in observation campaigns led by the American Association of Variable Star Observers to study several cataclysmic variable stars and novae (with photometric observations) and also...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyF6KBXsAAq8cI.jpg "[9/20] I remember that at the time I was beginning my PhD I was already participating in observation campaigns led by the American Association of Variable Star Observers to study several cataclysmic variable stars and novae (with photometric observations) and also...")
![[9/20] I remember that at the time I was beginning my PhD I was already participating in observation campaigns led by the American Association of Variable Star Observers to study several cataclysmic variable stars and novae (with photometric observations) and also...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyNBxvXoAEnC-g.jpg "[9/20] I remember that at the time I was beginning my PhD I was already participating in observation campaigns led by the American Association of Variable Star Observers to study several cataclysmic variable stars and novae (with photometric observations) and also...")
[10/20] ... carrying out astrometry of recently discovered comets. All these activities were not only very satisfying, but at the same time really useful to learn data analysis... something that would became even more helpful (professionally speaking) later, during my PhD.
![[10/20] ... carrying out astrometry of recently discovered comets. All these activities were not only very satisfying, but at the same time really useful to learn data analysis... something that would became even more helpful (professionally speaking) later, during my PhD.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyHd7HWkAE7IlV.jpg "[10/20] ... carrying out astrometry of recently discovered comets. All these activities were not only very satisfying, but at the same time really useful to learn data analysis... something that would became even more helpful (professionally speaking) later, during my PhD.")
[11/20] EXAMPLE 3. When I was 16 I joined an astronomy club. For several years (mainly 1997-2002, while I was finishing my MSc and beginning my PhD) I was also responsible for the design and contents of the 40-page club paper magazine, published twice a year.
![[11/20] EXAMPLE 3. When I was 16 I joined an astronomy club. For several years (mainly 1997-2002, while I was finishing my MSc and beginning my PhD) I was also responsible for the design and contents of the 40-page club paper magazine, published twice a year.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyNXoqWAAAxmF_.jpg "[11/20] EXAMPLE 3. When I was 16 I joined an astronomy club. For several years (mainly 1997-2002, while I was finishing my MSc and beginning my PhD) I was also responsible for the design and contents of the 40-page club paper magazine, published twice a year.")
[12/20] I learnt how to design the layout of the magazine using Aldus Pagemaker, Photoshop, Origin and MS Office. I learnt image treatment, design of graphs and charts. This would help me a lot years later to make nice images and graphs for my PhD thesis, papers and proposals...
![[12/20] I learnt how to design the layout of the magazine using Aldus Pagemaker, Photoshop, Origin and MS Office. I learnt image treatment, design of graphs and charts. This would help me a lot years later to make nice images and graphs for my PhD thesis, papers and proposals...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyNbgoWkAQWASB.png "[12/20] I learnt how to design the layout of the magazine using Aldus Pagemaker, Photoshop, Origin and MS Office. I learnt image treatment, design of graphs and charts. This would help me a lot years later to make nice images and graphs for my PhD thesis, papers and proposals...")
[13/20] In fact one of the direct (and unexpected) consequences of having acquired these skills in image treatment as a hobby is that, years later, in 2012, I became the Graphical Advisor for the @EAG_ journal Geochemical Perspectives ( https://www.geochemicalperspectives.org ), still ongoing...
![[13/20] In fact one of the direct (and unexpected) consequences of having acquired these skills in image treatment as a hobby is that, years later, in 2012, I became the Graphical Advisor for the @EAG_ journal Geochemical Perspectives ( https://www.geochemicalperspectives.org ), still ongoing...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyPK4VWkAAFryh.png "[13/20] In fact one of the direct (and unexpected) consequences of having acquired these skills in image treatment as a hobby is that, years later, in 2012, I became the Graphical Advisor for the @EAG_ journal Geochemical Perspectives ( https://www.geochemicalperspectives.org ), still ongoing...")
![[13/20] In fact one of the direct (and unexpected) consequences of having acquired these skills in image treatment as a hobby is that, years later, in 2012, I became the Graphical Advisor for the @EAG_ journal Geochemical Perspectives ( https://www.geochemicalperspectives.org ), still ongoing...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyPM6yWkAA-and.png "[13/20] In fact one of the direct (and unexpected) consequences of having acquired these skills in image treatment as a hobby is that, years later, in 2012, I became the Graphical Advisor for the @EAG_ journal Geochemical Perspectives ( https://www.geochemicalperspectives.org ), still ongoing...")
[14/20] EXAMPLE 4. Around year 2000 I started a website in Spanish named "Astroenlazador" ("Astrolink") with two great people ( @cybersamba and C.Sánchez). That website would run until 2008 and included news about astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences and geosciences.
![[14/20] EXAMPLE 4. Around year 2000 I started a website in Spanish named "Astroenlazador" ("Astrolink") with two great people ( @cybersamba and C.Sánchez). That website would run until 2008 and included news about astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences and geosciences.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyPxsvXgAEf6zV.jpg "[14/20] EXAMPLE 4. Around year 2000 I started a website in Spanish named \"Astroenlazador\" (\"Astrolink\") with two great people ( @cybersamba and C.Sánchez). That website would run until 2008 and included news about astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences and geosciences.")
![[14/20] EXAMPLE 4. Around year 2000 I started a website in Spanish named "Astroenlazador" ("Astrolink") with two great people ( @cybersamba and C.Sánchez). That website would run until 2008 and included news about astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences and geosciences.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyUWNSWAAAv3et.png "[14/20] EXAMPLE 4. Around year 2000 I started a website in Spanish named \"Astroenlazador\" (\"Astrolink\") with two great people ( @cybersamba and C.Sánchez). That website would run until 2008 and included news about astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences and geosciences.")
[15/20] Astroenlazador started as a modest website that within months grew to a massive web portal that was updated every single day, with hundreds of news per year, interviews to ESA/NASA scientists, information resources, coverage of planetary missions and opinion columns.
![[15/20] Astroenlazador started as a modest website that within months grew to a massive web portal that was updated every single day, with hundreds of news per year, interviews to ESA/NASA scientists, information resources, coverage of planetary missions and opinion columns.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyQHxPWoAAE5Bi.jpg "[15/20] Astroenlazador started as a modest website that within months grew to a massive web portal that was updated every single day, with hundreds of news per year, interviews to ESA/NASA scientists, information resources, coverage of planetary missions and opinion columns.")
![[15/20] Astroenlazador started as a modest website that within months grew to a massive web portal that was updated every single day, with hundreds of news per year, interviews to ESA/NASA scientists, information resources, coverage of planetary missions and opinion columns.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyQHxOXsAEtxFg.jpg "[15/20] Astroenlazador started as a modest website that within months grew to a massive web portal that was updated every single day, with hundreds of news per year, interviews to ESA/NASA scientists, information resources, coverage of planetary missions and opinion columns.")
[17/20] ... And this happened before ANY modern social networks. It became my perfect training to learn the basics of on-line outreach. This was my launch pad to become part of the Communications Committee of the @EAG_, making videos for the Goldschmidt Conference, blogs etc.
![[17/20] ... And this happened before ANY modern social networks. It became my perfect training to learn the basics of on-line outreach. This was my launch pad to become part of the Communications Committee of the @EAG_, making videos for the Goldschmidt Conference, blogs etc.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyQhkLWsAAkNfv.png "[17/20] ... And this happened before ANY modern social networks. It became my perfect training to learn the basics of on-line outreach. This was my launch pad to become part of the Communications Committee of the @EAG_, making videos for the Goldschmidt Conference, blogs etc.")
[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.
![[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyTZb4XoAYuPdG.png "[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.")
![[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyTgNJWsAIqIeK.png "[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.")
![[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyU25HX0AEnGm5.jpg "[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.")
![[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyVN_QWsAMf5o1.png "[18/20] So, as a final idea: Autodidacticism and hobbies always help to develop new skills and to discover what you are good at. My hobbies allowed me to identify my future path. Everything I learnt by myself surprisingly –or not– became very useful to me years afterwards.")
[19/20] What can I say to future researchers? Be curious, explore your personal interests, enjoy the pleasure of learning on your own, read books and listen mainly to yourself. If you believe in yourself you will achieve the level of success you desire and will build your future.
![[19/20] What can I say to future researchers? Be curious, explore your personal interests, enjoy the pleasure of learning on your own, read books and listen mainly to yourself. If you believe in yourself you will achieve the level of success you desire and will build your future.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeyUNbEXoAAAKtb.jpg "[19/20] What can I say to future researchers? Be curious, explore your personal interests, enjoy the pleasure of learning on your own, read books and listen mainly to yourself. If you believe in yourself you will achieve the level of success you desire and will build your future.")
[and 20/20] Also keep in mind: 30 years ago (and longer) it was not simple to get access to information, to buy specialised books, software, etc. Today it is really easy to obtain loads of information or purchase/download books online — so there is no excuse for not learning.
![[and 20/20] Also keep in mind: 30 years ago (and longer) it was not simple to get access to information, to buy specialised books, software, etc. Today it is really easy to obtain loads of information or purchase/download books online — so there is no excuse for not learning.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeycquyX0AACqr5.png "[and 20/20] Also keep in mind: 30 years ago (and longer) it was not simple to get access to information, to buy specialised books, software, etc. Today it is really easy to obtain loads of information or purchase/download books online — so there is no excuse for not learning.")
