so i passed my technician exam last thursday and just got my callsign showing up in the FCC database yesterday. been lurking on the local 2m repeater for like two weeks before that just listening and honestly it was kind of intimidating, everyone sounds so comfortable and natural on there.

anyway i finally keyed up this morning and just said my callsign and that i was a new ham checking in. a guy named Walt came back to me right away and we had a solid 10 minute QSO about nothing in particular, he asked where i was operating from and what radio i had. i have a baofeng uv-5r which i know isnt the fanciest thing but it got the job done. Walt said he remembered his first QSO and seemed genuinely happy to talk. felt good honestly. just wanted to share because i dont really know anyone else who does this hobby and had nobody to tell lol

congrats and welcome. the baofeng is totally fine to start on, dont let anyone give you grief about it. Walt sounds like a good elmer, hang onto that connection. the hardest part really is just keying up that first time, once you do it a couple times it gets way more natural. if your area has a local club worth checking out an in-person meeting sometime, that's honestly where i learned most of the practical stuff that wasnt on the exam

yeah my first QSO i totally forgot to say over and just went silent for like five seconds like an idiot. the other guy was patient about it though. this hobby has some of the most welcoming people ive met which honestly surprised me. enjoy it