MISSION OSCP: Step 2 — Beginning the Ascent

Hello all,
I have begun the ascent up the metaphorical mountain of MISSION OSCP. I have completed modules 1–5 of the Offensive Security course. These modules introduced the course and discussed learning strategies.
I am now beginning to learn about recon using tools like nmap, netcat, Shodan, and DNSLookup. These tools will help me understand what is running on the machines and how to exploit them.
I am supplementing my learnings with the courses from TCM Security. I am taking the Practical Ethical Hacking course and am about halfway through. I am about to start learning Active Directory and fuzzing.
The ascent is going well. I expect to reach the summit and take the exam the first week of December.