I have had the priviledge to administer the DX Marathon Program over the past 4 years. Recognizing the importance of the promotion of our hobby among youth, I established a two tier youth program making a break at 15 years old. The winner in 2025 was a young Indonesian ham radio operator, Nahla, YD1NAV. This makes my volunteer position in our program worth everyday spent promoting DX and our hobby. I get thorough enjoyment in giving back to a hobby that has been so wonderful for me for 63 years! Mark WC3W
Lol. I can’t get a kid off their phone long enough to introduce them to the hobby. If I do get the chance, they cannot understand why anyone would be interested in it
the science of all this is the most interesting thing ... unless you're more sociable than me, of which talking with people all over the world seems like it would be pretty cool
My worthwhile list: The ionosphere! How great it is to be able to refract signals with it. The cool radio equipment we get to use! Old and new. The fact that getting on the air and randomly meeting people, can open a new door in one's life! Helping others! Worthwhile? QRZ! It's the best, and you are here.
This hobby has allowed me to experience many things that I would likely never have otherwise. Furthermore, I've met wonderful people from all walks of life that I heard learned so much from. I am truly blessed and appreciative to be a part of our hobby called Amateur Radio. There is no other hobby that provides more.
What I love about amateur radio is that it’s not centralized like cell phones and the internet are. All you need is a radio, a power source, and a suitable antenna, and you’re on the air! Also, there’s no monthly bill!
...well, you do also need a license. I think good candidates come from wherever there's curiosity in earth sciences. Geology, meteorology, etc. can lead folks to wanting to better understand propagation. Perhaps unfortunately, this source may not be as interested in the minutia of the electronics of radio, but they can often become highly involved and enthusiastic operators! It's interest in electronics and electrical engineering that feeds ham radio at its source. Computer folks sometimes drift into this realm. In any case, great work and continued new achievements. Let yourself stew in the juices of success!
Learning. Sometimes you think you know something about the hobby. Then all of a sudden you learn more and more. This is a hobby for the autodidactic.
. . . autodidactic . . . did you make that up? Everyday I learn something about amateur radio. I don't think one can garner such satisfaction with other hobbies like reading and listening to music. Kraus/KC4ZGP
I am intrigued by the varied background of folks in the amateur radio fraternity. Amateur radio has allowed me to meet folks from all walks of life. Many from eyeball QSOs and many more during distant conversations by radio. Other hobbies also involve folks from various backgrounds, but require face-to-face meetings. I am a member of over 5 groups of hobbyists. Blacksmithing, antique farm machinery, historical construction equipment and firearms collectors and there are licensed hams in all of them. Few activities are more interesting to me than an extended conversation with a person who shares some of my interests and ham radio makes this possible with little effort. Are these conversations worthwhile? In today's world, I think so.
KEA, You're right it is a neat word. You still should have said you made it up. I would have believed you. Say hey to the family. Kraus/KC4ZGP
But that would defeat the purpose of you teaching yourself the meaning of the word...that means self educated.
