Hi Linda, if you have a reciever, or a scanner, you can listen to
anything you like, even before you get your license!  In fact, listening
to nets and other activities is a great way to learn operating practices.
 Until you get your license, you would be known as a SWL, wich stands for
Shortwave listener!  That is the way many of us got are start and
developed an interst in ham radio!  Once you get your call sign, you can
listen to and participate in many nets, even on 2 meters and echo link.

Hope I have clarifyed things a bit for you!

By the way, my girlfriend, Aimee, is also studying for her tech ticket! 
She lives in Jacksonville and is atending a local class there.  She is
also using Handi-hams and I expect she will have no trouble passing the
exam in a few months.  She had a novice back when she was in high school,
but didn't do anything with it then!  Her call was KA4VRW!  I can't wait
until she gets her Tech so she can participate in some of the nets that I
am involved in!

73 and 88 whare appropriate:
John

John Jacques
Amateur Radio Station: KD8PC
"Where Cat Is,  Is Civilization!"