Nicholas Bolick

1/11/16
Dear Malcolm
My name is Nicholas Bolick. As I told you earlier in class, I am the oldest of 6 kids with
Noah 15, Nevin being 12, Neely being 8, and then Nora and Nathan being both 4 years of age. I
am, obviously, the first child in my family to attend college and also the second male on my
fathers side of the family to attend college with him being the first. I was diagnosed with
Aspergers Syndrome at a fairly young age and I was eventually diagnosed with ADHD as well.
If you think the strapping young-man writing this was always this charismatic or intelligent, then
youd be sorely mistaken. My disabilities used to be much more severe, even to the point of
multiple doctors informing me and parents that I would not be able to finish school, yet alone get
into a center for higher learning. Well, I think I may have proven them wrong. But enough about
my little quirks.

I came to UNCC to originally become a computer hardware engineer. But after looking
into the requirements a bit more, the laziness that so often holds me back from my full potential
won and I decided to look elsewhere for my future. I eventually decided on Network Security for
a few reasons. One of those reasons being how prevalent hacking is in everyday life. Another
reason is that the ITIS program doesnt require as much math as the engineering program does.
And the other reason being how I want to do something that makes a difference in the world. I
wouldnt be content with just sitting back and working on a machine that wont ever be able to
help people. I want to prevent malicious attacks on computer networks, even if I am only a
network security guy for a local company. At least there I will know that I am doing something
to help.

So, here I am at UNCC trying my best to find my place and do well in my studies. I
managed to get lucky last semester and end up with As and Bs after who knows how many
sleepless hours of worrying. I have yet to fully find out where it is I fit in the most, but hey, with

all the money Im paying for my own room after 12 years, I think I can afford to stay locked up
in my room for a little bit.