By the time he was seventeen he was working to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor available to Boy Scouts in America. This requires earning at least twenty-one merit badges and creating a project that demonstrates leadership and service to the community. In 1990, Nicols had his first opportunistic infection, which meant that he had progressed from being HIV-positive to having AIDS.
By the time he was seventeen, he was striving to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest distinction granted to Boy Scouts in America. This necessitated accumulating at least twenty-one merit badges and creating a project that showcased leadership and community service. In 1990, Nicols contracted his first opportunistic infection, which signified his progression from being HIV-positive to having AIDS.