Black Hat and DEF CON are a lot like metal concerts: Your parents are terrified you’re going to die because everyone looks scary. 98 percent of the attendees are just really nice people (some with mohawks) ready to pick you up and dust you off if you fall or get knocked down. The biggest smile I had on my face the entire week was about 10 minutes after I picked my very first lock with help from the Lockpick Village at DEF CON. The atmosphere was one of encouragement rather than laughter or criticism.”]
Source: https://www.darkreading.com/careers-and-people/black-hat-def-con-3-lessons-from-a-newbie