About Me

My Ham Radio Journey

I'm Emilia, YO8YL, originally from Suceava and now based in Bucharest, Romania. I got my license in 2018 when I was only 15 years old under the callsign YO8YLX, taking my first steps into amateur radio through a local club in Bucharest.

My fascination with global communication quickly turned into a deep passion—so much so that I made weekly trips between Suceava and Bucharest to learn, operate, and grow within the hobby. What started as curiosity about radio waves became a dedication that shaped my teenage years and continues to drive me today.

In June 2024, I made a symbolic transition that perfectly captured my journey in amateur radio: I dropped the "X" from my original callsign and became simply YO8YL. This wasn't just a callsign change—it was my evolution from a young lady learning the ropes to THE Young Lady who had found her voice and place in the amateur radio community. The transformation felt natural, representing not just my growth in the hobby, but my confidence as an operator who could hold her own in any pile-up.

Over the years, I've built a solid presence in the amateur radio scene, participating in major contests such as CQ WPX SSB, CQ WW SSB, IARU HF Championship, and Youth on the Air (YOTA) events. I operated as part of the YQ4M special contest station and recently took part in multiple Parks on the Air (POTA) activations under the special callsign YP0TA.

What truly sets me apart is my love for SSB and the thrill of a good pile-up: "There's something magical about being at the center of it all — my voice cutting through the noise, one contact at a time."

Never one to back down from a challenge, I've also begun learning CW, expanding my operating skills even further. My POTA activities, both in SSB and CW, have earned me multiple awards, and I continue to push myself to explore new aspects of this incredible hobby.

Current Focus

Today, I continue to be driven by curiosity and community spirit in amateur radio. I'm constantly looking for new challenges and ways to grow within the hobby, whether that's mastering CW, participating in major contests, or discovering new parks to activate.

My journey from a curious 15-year-old making weekly trips between cities to an experienced operator with years of contest and POTA experience shows that passion and dedication can take you anywhere in amateur radio. The hobby has not only given me technical skills but also connected me with an incredible global community.

73 and hope to work you in the next pile-up! 📻