by Malik from Raleigh asks Santa if Coca-Cola made him, learns about the Research Triangle, and hears about Raleigh’s history as a technology and research hub
Dear Santa, my name is Malik and I am nine years old. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, where my dad says our whole region is famous for smart people doing important research at universities nearby.
Dear Malik, your dad is entirely right, and I have real respect for that particular concentration of curiosity and hard work.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, did Coca-Cola make Santa? My teacher mentioned old advertisements, and I wanted to understand it properly.
Coca-Cola did not create me, Malik, since I have been around for many centuries, but their advertisements in the 1930s did help popularize the specific red-suited, jolly image many people now picture. It simply helped make my modern look more consistent, not my actual existence.
My second question is about our region. My teacher says Raleigh is part of an area called the Research Triangle. Is that true?
It is, Malik. The Research Triangle, formed by Raleigh and two nearby cities, became an important hub for research and technology thanks to its universities and research parks. Flying over that innovative region each Christmas Eve, I always feel real curiosity about what is being invented below.
My third question is, why did that region become so focused on research and technology specifically?
Several strong universities in the area worked together deliberately decades ago to attract research and technology companies, Malik, creating a hub that has grown steadily ever since. I think it is a wonderful example of thoughtful, long-term planning paying off.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Malik Freeman
Raleigh, North Carolina
P.S. Do the elves ever visit the research labs for ideas?
Occasionally, Malik, purely for inspiration.
