New No-Code Tech Confusion

KC2IEB writes "I'm 19 and a college student in the USA. I recieved my ticket in early June. I took the test imagining myself talking to interesting people all over the world. Now, it's just about a month later, and I've had a total of 5 QSO's, and all with the same person, on a borrowed ICOM 2-AT that doesn't have the proper equipment to access repeaters.


The clubs in my area seem populated with people who would rather sit around and complain than help me out. Since I haven't been "in the scene" long enough, I don't know the good places to find used equipment, or even what I can do with this ticket.


What can I do as a no-code tech to experience the fun and interesting things this hobby can offer me? Where can I find cheap equipment? How can I talk to interesting people around the world with my no-code license and not much cash? Is it possible?"