Expectations

In preparation for my trip, I have read many articles and even a couple of books on the subject of "what makes Silicon Valley what it is?". These resources all attribute many conventional aspects to the Valley's success. Among other things, the authors of these materials often attribute the proximity of distinguished universities and the availability of relevant resources like venture capitalists, lawyers and accountants.

[A current article on the San Jose Mercury News website, titled "Silicon Valley really is more innovative, study finds" by Lisa M. Krieger, was written in reflection to a study conducted at MIT Cambridge. The MIT study was conducted to "allow policymakers uncover the potential for growth entrepreneurship in a systematic and objective way". Lisa describes in her article many of Silicon Valley's attributes, which the MIT study had determined to preform a function in the Valley's success.]

The materials I have read also discus the inimitable characteristics of Silicon Valley's success, such as the high risk attitudes and unorthodox work practices. Theses cultural differences are what I believe truly make Silicon Valley unique, and are what I strive to investigate while I'm there.

Introductions

Hi,

My name is James McCormack, and I am a student at Curry College. My major is Information Technology and Graphic Design and I will be graduating in May 2016. I'm an avid artist and PC nerd by nature. I have to many hobbies and interests to list, but generally I consider my self to be in love with life and all that it has to offer. My gift has always been my curiosity, and my curiosity is the reason that I'm heading off to California's' Silicon Valley. I feel like I'm getting ready for a trip to Disney Land! I've never been to California!

We'll be leaving March, 8 and returning on March 14. It's only a short trip, but I expect we'll fit a lot in to that one week. VMware, Apple, Google and Facebook are some of the big names on our schedule. There's also a tour of Stanford University which should be really cool. I plan on taking many, many pictures on this trip and I'll of course post some of the pictures here.

On a more personal note, it will be really nice to get a break from all this snow we've been getting in the Boston area! I feel like shoveling has become an everyday affair!