CW Academy
CW Academy is a wonderful organization. It is a school managed by a ham radio club, CWops, that provides a robust curriculum and training on the art and practice of CW operation for amateur radio operators. The services are provided for free and the entire organization is run by volunteers who work uncountable hours to help others better enjoy their ham radio hobby and improve their lives.
The biggest surprise is that learning CW and Morse code is not the top achievement. I officially graduated the Advanced (and final) course of CW Academy yesterday. Yes, of course, my ability to copy and send code is better, and my progress with CW is remarkable and surprising. Less than a year ago, I knew nothing about Morse code or the CW mode in general. Despite this success, the most notable part of my experience is the interactions with dozens of other people from around the globe. I am honored and privileged to now call these beautiful people my friends.
My day-to-day life gives little to no opportunity to interact with people outside of my rural environment in central Texas. This changed once I became a ham and changed even more dramatically when I enrolled in CW Academy. I now know and have friendships with people from Italy, Poland, England, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, India, Turkey, and all over the USA. A wonderful gift and surprise that is irreplaceable!
I want others to know that CW Academy is a great organization. I am very grateful CWops makes the commitment to continue to support it. I want to thank my class advisor Buzz (AC6AC) and his team of wonderful co-advisors: Wes, Marv, Doug, Tim, Carolanne, Lui, David, Frank, Dale, and Terry. A big thank you to my fellow classmates, especially: Jim, Allen, Del, and Christy. I could not have done it without you guys. Lastly, thank you to Willy (KJ5BWB) for being the one to encourage me to participate in CW Academy.
The art and practice of CW is a journey. I am forever grateful CW Academy was on my path. To all my new friends: I'll hear you on the airwaves.
73 de AI5ZI