once you have become familiar with the operation and safe handling, you might look into one of the practical shooting sports
100% agreed.
Some firearms instructors spread misinformation about how “competition will get you killed on the street.”  I don’t agree with those sentiments.  Competition is excellent for practicing a number of things safely, such as drawing, holstering, marksmanship, reloading, building speed, engaging multiple targets, use of cover, and so on.  Competition is not a replacement for appropriate defensive training, but can be an excellent adjunct.  And it is a lot of fun.
I competed for decades and will likely return to competition in the future.  I got a lot out of it.