Jack Bolton’s journey into engineering began at an early age, influenced by his father, a civil engineer, and his own experiences overcoming accessibility challenges. Watching his father solve problems sparked a passion for engineering in Bolton. “I think problem-solving is what truly drew me to engineering,” he shared.
Bolton encountered accessibility challenges daily, which led him to develop inventive ways to overcome them. These experiences fostered his interest in engineering, where he could apply his problem-solving skills to benefit others. “Coming up with creative solutions to navigate my life is what inspired me to pursue engineering,” Bolton said.
When choosing a college, Bolton was drawn to NC State University because of its strong engineering reputation. He was impressed by the opportunity to learn from top professors and gain hands-on experience through research and internships. However, what sealed his decision was his sense of community on campus. “It is truly rare to find such comradery and support at such a large school,” Bolton explained.
Bolton chose to study industrial and systems engineering (ISE) because of its interdisciplinary nature. This field allowed him to explore engineering, economics and business decision-making. “I believe it will make me valuable in a variety of industries and roles,” he noted.
Beyond academics, Bolton stayed active on campus. He served as an officer of the Pack DisAbility Advocacy Club, where he worked to promote disability education and proactive accessibility. He also played a crucial role in organizing the Krispy Kreme Challenge, an event that raised money for the UNC Children’s Hospital. “It was incredible to see how all of our hard work culminated in such an amazing event,” Bolton said.
Bolton also pursued a minor in business entrepreneurship, dreaming of starting his own business. “Entrepreneurship has always fascinated me,” he said. His goal is to combine his engineering skills with his passion for sports in his future career.
Bolton’s time at NC State was also enriched by his participation in the Park Scholars Program and the University Honors Program. This summer, he studied abroad in London, taking courses in Engineering Economic Analysis and learning about British bands from the 1960s. “It was such an incredible experience, allowing me to explore the big city and master public transportation,” Bolton shared.
Bolton is excited to dive deeper into his ISE classes and explore the many opportunities ahead. His journey from solving everyday challenges to pursuing a career in engineering reflects his determination to make a meaningful impact on the world.