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Visiting the Capitol helped me understand how the American values we discussed in class—democracy, civic participation, and accountability—actually work in real life. It made those ideas feel less abstract.

At NC Freedom Park, the quote that stood out to me was:

“My philosophy is that position or place can never segregate mind or soul.” — Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown

She took big risks as an educator during segregation, but she continued because she believed education could change lives and open doors.

I think the park uses words instead of statues because words make you stop, read, and reflect. They highlight the voices and stories of many different people, not just a few. It feels more personal and more honest.

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During our visit to Freedom Park and the Capitol building in Raleigh, I learned how these places connect to the values we talked about in class. At Freedom Park, the quotes immediately caught my attention, especially the one by Julius Chambers that says, “There will always be something holding us back until all of our people are given their full rights.” Reading that quote in the park helped me better understand how the fight for equal rights has shaped North Carolina and how many people sacrificed a lot so that future generations could have more opportunities. The quotes around the park focus on themes such as justice, equality, freedom, and civic responsibility, which are the same American values we discussed during our first class sessions.

Inside the Capitol, what stood out the most to me was the old library filled with shelves of historic books and documents. It gave me a better idea of how lawmakers in the past educated themselves before making decisions that affected the whole state. We also walked through the old House and Senate chambers, which helped me picture how debates and votes looked many years ago. The tour guide also told us stories about ghosts in the building, which made the history feel more alive and made the visit memorable and fun. Seeing everything in person helped me understand how American values like fairness, education, transparency, and responsibility are connected to the way the government works today.

The quote from Julius Chambers stayed in my mind long after the visit because his story is incredibly powerful. Julius Chambers was one of the most important civil rights lawyers in North Carolina, and he dedicated his entire life to challenging unfair laws and systems that discriminated against Black people. He grew up during a time when segregation was everywhere, and he saw firsthand how unequal treatment hurt people’s lives. This pushed him to study hard, become a lawyer, and take on cases that many others were scared to touch. He helped win huge civil rights cases, including ones that opened doors for Black students to attend previously all white schools and ones that challenged discrimination in jobs, housing, and public institutions.

Due to his work, he faced serious risks. Not only did he receive threats and harassment, but his home, car, and law office were bombed by people who wanted to intimidate him and stop his work. Even after these violent attacks, he continued fighting and refused to back down. He believed that equality was worth any risk, and he knew that if people like him didn’t continue the fight, things would never change. Later, he became president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and also served as the chancellor of North Carolina Central University, showing how much he cared about both justice and education.

After learning about him and reading his quote in Freedom Park, the design of the park made a lot of sense to me. Instead of using statues or big sculptures, the creators chose to use words so visitors would focus on the powerful messages and the voices of the people who fought for freedom. Words make us think, reflect, and connect emotionally with the stories being shared. They allow everyone no matter their background to feel included and to understand the meaning behind the struggle for equality. The whole visit helped me see how the past and present are connected and why these stories still matter today

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Fabrizio Armando Santangeli - RTP Report

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Fabrizio Armando Santangeli - RTP Report

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THIBAUT GRANIER ALARY

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1.        Provide an overview of what you learned from the presentation

Unfortunately, I couldn’t be part of the visit of the RTP, but my friends explained to me in very details what they have learned through this visit. They had the opportunity to listen to the Chief Operation Officer, to understand how the park is managed, why RTP was created and what is their “business value” (how do they generate value). He also explained that this park wasn’t just a common workspace but more than that : a shared place including entertainments, concerts… making it more diversified than we would think. Another point that surprised me was the diversity of the companies implemented there such as IBM and Credit Suisse.  I studied the RTP in depth when I was in Preparatory School, so I know that this Research park was created in 1959 as an idea of diversifying the economy of North Carolina. Another point that surprised me when I looked at the RTP was that he was implemented at the center of 3 universities : Duke, Chapel Hill and NCSU, sign of partnerships and collaboration with innovation.

2.        Why do you think RTP has been able to thrive in North Carolina ?

To answer this question, I think there is multiple answers to respond to it. First, RTP remains an important place because it benefits from 3 top-ranked universities around him, enabling it to have an important connection to talents and to foster innovation. The second main point would be that it benefits from an important political support : long term vision, business-friendly policies and an amazing quality of life makes it a unique place for companies and employees. Furthermore, what is also important is that this research park fosters collaboration rather than competition, which is fostering innovation. Finally, it is also important to remind that it also benefits from private companies’ implementation such as IBM, one of the first.

3.        What principles did you learn that you can use in your future professional life ?

From what my friends told me about the presentation and the visit, I think there may be some points I would use on my professional life. Collaboration over competition is the main one, because when you see what RTP can create, innovate by fostering innovation, it is always more interesting than a competition war. Cooperation allowed companies to create shared value, and this is important for my professional future, I think. Another point would be to say that I would need to work somewhere where there is a certain dynamic, having a specific ecosystem where you feel good to work on it but also to relax !

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1. The key insight I gained from the presentation is the importance of developing a business ecosystem that maintains independence from government support, particularly in terms of funding. Mr. Holton effectively articulated the park’s strategic approach in positioning itself as a competitive alternative to larger innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, highlighting the distinct strategies employed during its early and later stages of development. Notably, he emphasized that the park’s sustainability is achieved without reliance on public funding for its operations.

2. Three key factors, I personally believe, have enabled Research Triangle Park (RTP) to thrive in North Carolina: (a) Strong long-term vision; (b) Robust academic partnershipsl (c) Organically developed, self-sustaining ecosystem

3. Mr. Holton’s presentation underscored the vital role of organic growth in achieving long-term organizational success, emphasizing that a thriving business must sustain its development through internal resources while continuously adapting its strategic direction. Another key insight was the importance of comprehensive business understanding for executive position. Mr. Holton exemplified this by demonstrating a deep awareness of the park’s end-to-end strategy and its evolution over time. In contrast, many corporate executives often appear detached from the foundational aspects of their organizations, limiting their ability to make informed and effective strategic decisions.

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Presentation of the Research Triangle Park - Ketchanga Joseph

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Presentation of the Research Triangle Park - Ketchanga Joseph

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1. Overview of what I learned from the presentation
During the presentation at the Research Triangle Park, I learned that RTP is one of the largest research and innovation parks in the United States, bringing together companies, universities, and startups in a single collaborative environment. The director explained how the park was designed not only as a workplace but also as a community with shared spaces, modern facilities, and social activities such as happy hours, concerts, and outdoor events to encourage interaction and creativity. I was impressed by the diversity of industries represented there (IBM, Credit Suisse, Biogen) from technology to life sciences, and by how the park supports innovation through partnerships and infrastructure.

2. Why RTP has been able to thrive in North Carolina
I think RTP has been able to thrive mainly because of its strong connection with the three nearby universities : Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State which provide constant access to talent, research, and innovation. The location is also strategic: it offers a high quality of life and lower costs compared to major cities like New York or San Francisco, which helps attract both companies and employees. Moreover, the park’s ecosystem encourages collaboration rather than competition, creating a culture of openness that supports long-term growth.

3. Principles I can apply in my future professional life
From this visit, I learned the importance of collaboration and networking as key drivers of innovation and success. I also realized how crucial it is to build a positive and engaging work environment where people can exchange ideas freely and feel part of a community. As someone who wants to work in corporate finance, I think these principles can be applied when managing financial projects: success often comes from teamwork, transparency, and creating value together rather than focusing only on short-term results.

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Nathan Pierre legislatibe buliding visit assignment TD2

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Hi miss, I wrote you before to tell you that I had a problem with opening the pallet and I could only do it today. Thank you for understanding

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American Values at Cloer Family Vineyards

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Sorry for being late I have just realised that it didn't upload when I tried to on the 28th

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Visiting Cloer Family Vineyard was a great experience—I especially enjoyed tasting their white sweet wine! Based on the tour and their website, I think two American values that really shaped their success are family and hard work/entrepreneurship. Cloer is one of the only family-owned vineyards in the area, and you can tell they put a lot of effort into keeping the tradition alive while also running a modern business. It shows how important family roots and persistence are in building something that lasts.

A principle I learned from the visit is the importance of passion and consistency in your work. The vineyard didn’t grow overnight—it took years of dedication. That inspires me to bring the same patience and steady effort into my own future career, even when things don’t happen fast.

All in all, it was a super fun and eye-opening trip!

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1. American values in Cloer Family Vineyards’ development

Two values that stand out are entrepreneurship and community spirit. Cloer Family Vineyards reflects entrepreneurship through its founders’ willingness to take risks, innovate, and turn a passion into a thriving small business. The family and community spirit is evident in the way the vineyard emphasizes local connections, creating an authentic, welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to feel like part of the family. These values mirror broader American ideals of building something of your own while staying rooted in community.

2. Principles for future professional life

One principle I took away is the importance of adaptability; the vineyard has grown by adjusting to customer needs, market trends, and the challenges of running a small business. Another is the principle of relationship, since success was tied not just to producing wine but to cultivating trust and loyalty among visitors and the wider community. In my professional future, I can apply these principles by staying flexible in changing environments and by prioritizing strong, genuine connections with colleagues, clients, and partners

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ETOUNDI PAUL ASSIGNMENT 2 US CULTURE AND BUSINESS

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Assignment 2 - US Culture and Business Site Visit Reflection

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Report on the Visit to Research Triangle Park - 

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Report on the Visit to Research Triangle Park - 

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Amine LAOUADI - MSc IB

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Report on the Visit to Research Triangle Park - Amine LAOUADI - MSc IB 

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Mathis Bougarnou Assignment 2

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GIANI Maelane

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Assignment 2 US culture and business GIANI Maelane

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Quote about the governor's house:

The visit to the official residence of the Governor of North Carolina was an great opportunity to discover the American culture. The mansion is not just a  great house, it is also a symbol of the political system. By learning about the history of the governors through their portraits hanging on the wall, but also about democracy, where leaders are chosen by the people as I understood, I also understood a fundamental way of doing of American life. This link in  with my interview,  that I had with Matthew when he told me about competition in overall and how states are involved into the lives of their citizens. In the same way, political candidates compete to present the best vision for the state. the residence also represented the success luxury in a sense. even though it serves as a public symbol the idea that it can lead to a position of leadership and service, reflects a fundamental American value.

Quote about Freedom Park:

The quote ‘Anything is possible’ made me strongly think of the spirit of Freedom Park. This open space, dedicated to community and shared memory, reflects the American ideal that no dream is  ambitious enough, even though a minority  is willing to fight for it. Freedom Park is not a place for recreation, but  a symbol of resilience and opportunity, where people from all walks of life can come together, talk about it, and share their point of view. In this same sense, the park shares both the physical and symbolic space of freedom it reflects, where individuals are often feeling to think in their own potential and in the possibility of building their better future.

Together, the Governor's Residence and Freedom Park showed two aspects of American values: the chase of leadership and getting the right to say out loud what you think, and the belief in freedom and opportunity for all. These visits gave me a great understanding of how history, politics and community are seomtimes expressing the ideological spirit that continue to shape American identity nowadays.

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David Gutierrez Bernardo Cloer Family Vineyard

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Capitol & North Carolina's Freedom Park - Assignment 2 - Clement Haccart

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sorry the other one isn't the good one, this one is.

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Visit to the North Carolina Legislative Building with my BBA class, a great opportunity to learn more about the democratic process and American values.

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While visiting the North Carolina Legislative Building, I learned a great deal about the building's function as the center for an assembly that passes laws that have the effect of law in the state. The Legislative Building reflects the representative democracy function where elected representatives come together to discuss and ultimately decide on issues that affect the lives of the citizens. This reflects core values of America: democracy, civic responsibility, and equality as it serves as a space to communicate and can act to represent the voice of the people.

Additionally, the design and open spaces of the legislative building reflect the notion of transparency and accessibility of government, government is intended to be part of the everyday lives of citizens. This links to the American idea of citizen participation – every citizen has the right and responsibility to participate in and engage in political life and to hold leaders to account.

While at Freedom Park, I was struck by quote:

"The time is always right to do what is right." - Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK risked everything-threats, violence, imprisonment, and ultimately his own life, but continued out of his belief in justice and equality. His example is a clear example of courage and responsibility when faced with injustice and action was called upon.

Thus, I believe that Freedom Park's creators thoughtfully and intentionally emphasized the use of words, rather than sculptures of important figures, to showcase human ideas that are universal, live on well past any individual, and are, therefore, timeless. Words encourage contemplation, are available to everyone, and ultimately provoke each of us to think of and about freedom and responsibility.

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BBA

Our visit was both enlightening and interesting learning the history of the North Carolina Capital building. We saw firsthand where the preserved legislative chambers are and where the governor resides when make important political decisions. Our guided tour focused on the history of the capital building dating back to the 1800s. Key features of this building consisted of the grand rotunda in the center of the building. I thought this was quite unique since it was inspired by Greek revival style architecture. This represented both democracy, power, and strength.

In regards to how this fits in with the American Values shared in class I thought this building mainly highlighted both freedom and representation. I believe this because along with our guided tour there were many other visitors that were free to walk/explore the building. This allows a great transparency and connects citizens to the States past and present. North Carolina is keen to their values and relationships with their citizens by connecting its history/values alive so future generations can both learn and value it as well.

My favorite quote I  saw at Freedom Park was by James Walker Hood, “Dream about what else we can do to move the fight for freedom forward.” James Walker Hood was known to be the most renowned civil rights leader who took precedence in both religion and education during the Reconstruction Era. He reshaped public education in N.C. and left a lasting impact in the religious/education system for African Americans. James Walker Hood was from PA a free state so, when he moved to NC he faced political, civil, and religious hostility/violence/safety concerns. He has always been one of my favorite civil rights activists through his fight for freedom and equality through faith and education.

I believe N.C. freedoms Parks creators chose to feature words instead of statues/traditional art because words hold the utmost of power. The reconstruction era was a scary time for African Americans and they fought with everything they had. They only had themselves and each other to fight against this oppression. Their voices were who they were and their words moved mountains bringing people together. Freedom Park is a place to reflect and remember. The quotes represented throughout the park are monumental to who we are as a society now snd the remembrance of the past.

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American values in the Entrepreneurship Garage

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Assignment 2

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Maëa Galet - Assignment 2