My original call sign was KA5DUU until I obtained my extra class license in about 1990. I became interested in radio electronics when I was about 12 years old and this interest persist to this day. Even though we all use radio in one way or another in our daily lives it never ceases to amaze me how I can tickle an antenna with a small amount of energy from equipment that I have built and be easily heard on the other side of the world. Just the thought of what is really happening is amazing. Sure, we can all pick up our pocket cell phone miracles and call just about anywhere on the globe but must of us don't have a clue as to what all is really happening to make that connection.
Amateur radio brings one closer to magic of radio then in any other means can.
This interest is shared with many amateurs all over the world and when a contact is made with a far away station it can often be like calling an old friend being as you both already have something in common to talk about. My amateur radio hobby and radio interest in general has been the major positive influence throughout my life. My parents couldn't ever understand why I wouldn't stop messing with that dang radio stuff and they still don't. I did manage to get my wife licensed before we were ever married and that has helped her understand my addiction somewhat. That was a fantastic job.