I'd like to get more involved with emergency communications through my ham radio hobby eventually.

I am so much older than you, and many people on this platform. Of course I've had to adjust my sense of self over time. The one thing I learned about myself was that I received greater satisfaction from uncompensated work. That is, if I got paid for it, it didn't feel as rewarding.

Everything you have ever written here speaks of the pleasure you derive from service. That makes you feel good, useful, accomplished. Your ham radio skills are fantastically valuable. I wish I had them. I think in times ahead ham radio operators may be the only link some people have if times get really rough.

What happens when there is no power? I lived through Hurricane Sandy and slept with my ear to the portable radio because there was no communication with civil authority for 13 days. I received updates on power restoration and emergency services from a local sports announcer on the radio.

You say you are not there yet, but what a gift that would be to other people. I still harbor an ambition to get a ham radio and learn how to operate it...just in case.

I don't know if this matters to you, but your posts here make a difference.