I passed my Amateur General exam today.
That feels like a big step forward. Technician got me on the air and into local repeaters, but General opens up a much wider part of amateur radio, especially HF. Now I can start learning what it is like to make contacts beyond the local area and begin exploring the parts of the hobby that depend more on band conditions, timing, antennas, and patience.
There is still a lot to learn. I need to get more comfortable with the General privileges, the band edges, and the practical side of operating on HF. But today feels like the next door opening.