My name is Elle-Marie, and She's On Frequency is where I share my journey into ham radio and learning new things in real time. A lot of my life has been shaped by discipline, curiosity, and being willing to start over when things change. What began as a simple interest has grown into something much more personal. This space is where I document that process as it unfolds.
I operate under the call sign KJ5LXP and hold a General Class amateur radio license.
I spent most of my life as an athlete, starting soccer when I was four years old. I went on to play Division I soccer at the University of North Texas and became team captain my senior year. Soccer taught me how to stay consistent, work hard, and push through challenges. That mindset has stayed with me in everything I do.
At the same time, I knew I wanted to challenge myself in a different way, which led me to study computer engineering at the University of North Texas. I was drawn to the problem solving side of it and the chance to understand how things work. I spent time learning about software, electronics, and coding, which taught me patience and how to work through uncertainty. It wasn't always easy, but I enjoyed the challenge.
After college, life started to shift as I stepped into my career and marriage. I stayed active through CrossFit and other athletic routines, trying to keep that same level of intensity. Then I had a knee injury that forced me to slow down and step away from that lifestyle. That pause was difficult, but it also gave me space to reflect and figure out what I wanted next.
I first heard about amateur radio through my husband when he was planning a hunting trip in an area without cell service. He came across it as a way to communicate, and it immediately caught my attention. At first, it was just something interesting, but the more I looked into it, the more I wanted to understand it. That curiosity is what pushed me to get my license.
Studying for my license ended up being something I really enjoyed. It reminded me of being back in school, taking notes and working toward something step by step. I also travel to Colorado often, so having a way to communicate in remote areas made sense. But beyond that, I genuinely liked learning about it.
After I got licensed, I knew I wanted to get a radio for my car. I found Ham Radio Outlet and bought my first mobile radio, a Yaesu FTM-510D. Installing it in my car felt like a small step, but it made everything feel more real. It was the moment I went from being interested to actually doing it.
Using the radio while traveling, especially in Colorado, is when everything started to come together. I began making contacts and connecting with people, which made the experience much more real and meaningful. I also started getting involved in the community and found the McKinney Amateur Radio Club back home. That's when I realized this was something I wanted to keep growing in.
As I kept learning, I was introduced to different modes, tools, and concepts like antennas that I didn't fully understand yet. There were a lot of moments where I felt confused, but that never made me want to stop. Instead, it made me more curious. I learned that I didn't need to have everything figured out to enjoy the process.
Over time, amateur radio became more than just a useful tool. It became something I genuinely enjoy and a new way to challenge myself. It gave me a community, a skill to build, and a reason to keep learning. That's what led me to create She's On Frequency.
I use this space to share what the process really looks like, without trying to make it perfect. I want people to see the learning, the mistakes, and the small wins along the way. My goal is to make this feel approachable for anyone who is curious about starting something new.
I'm still learning, still growing, and still figuring things out as I go. But that's part of what makes it meaningful. If you're in a season of trying something new or stepping into the unknown, I hope this space feels like somewhere you belong.