I had received my call sign from the FCC just days earlier. As a new ham, I was very excited and I wanted to explore the world of amateur radio and the people that talked on the radio waves. I developed an interest in ham radio when I was much younger, and as I got older my interest grew more and more until finally my Dad and I went and passed the Technician test together.

Almost immediately I heard my call sign on the repeater, and before I knew it I learned that I was talking to the owner of that repeater! He welcomed me to ham radio, and then everyone else wanted to welcome me to the hobby. After a bunch of hams had welcomed my Dad and me, they stayed on to talk to each other. I realized I had started a net without trying too. It was great! The owner of the repeater told every ham that got on to tell me and my Dad hello, which they did. My Dad found a place to park near the highway where the fireworks were going to be, and we talked on my radio until 11:00 PM.

My name is Derek and I am 14 years old. I am a SKYWARN storm spotter and I love to track storms. Ham radio is a great thing for fun as well as a help in times of emergency. I love ham radio and everything to do with it! I encourage the kids I know to get their licenses. They don�t seem very interested, but I hope that someday they too will explore and enjoy the world of amateur radio.