Russellville, Arkansas, and New York City are 1,300 miles apart.
Those who have visited both places might swear they are on different planets.
“The sidewalks were so crowded, and I kept catching myself saying excuse me because that is the Southern thing to do, but the people (in New York City) don’t speak…you just keep on walking,” said Avery Muse.
Muse was among a dozen Arkansas Tech University students who participated in the 2025 ATU College of Business and Economic Development Wall Street Experience spring break trip.
It was Muse’s first trip to New York City.
“I was very eager to see all the landmarks and things that make NYC such a beautiful cultural area,” said Muse, an ATU senior from Mayflower who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management in May. “I think everyone should visit at least once.”
Muse was joined on the trip by fellow ATU students Tabana Bode Palma of Danville, Fernando Flores of Clarksville, Jessie Hernandez of Berryville, Tate Jones of Perryville, Damien Jordan of Olive Branch, Miss., Seth Kolb of Atkins, Jocelyn Navarrete of Dardanelle, Ethan Shaw of Branch, Luke Watson of Russellville, Steven Willett of Centerton and Cynthia Zepeda of Maurice, La.
The group was led by Jessica Brock, ATU instructor of business, and Angie Bell, ATU College of Business and Economic Development coordinator of student engagement.
Among the sites the ATU delegation visited while walking 7-to-10 miles per day were Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central Station, New York City Public Library, High Line Park, M&M Store, Hershey Store, Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Knicks play a National Basketball Association game, Chinatown, Wall Street, American Museum of Natural History and Central Park.
“This experience is so much more than just a credit toward graduation,” said Flores, a sophomore agriculture business major. “This experience is about being responsible for a study away trip that brings you directly in the center of the Big Apple. This course is designed to teach you the life skills and the physical feeling behind a possible corporate life and city life.
“I never let nerves or anxiety decide for me,” continued Flores. “The only thing holding you back is yourself and you can’t let these doors close because they could lead you to the most fulfilling career and successful future. When an opportunity like the Wall Street Experience comes up, you need to take it.”
Flores admits to feeling out of place while in New York City, but he found comfort within the discomfort.
“NYC may be a foreign place to us small town kids, but it does melt all cultures and all backgrounds into one place,” said Flores. “I saw people from all backgrounds. When I was in the local mom and pop shops, I felt at home and I felt welcome. I felt small in a big bustling city, but I never felt scared or overwhelmed.”
Muse was motivated by the work ethic she observed within the people of New York City.
“I was able to witness first hand the hustle it takes to make the NYC lifestyle work,” said Muse. “We would go from street to street, and you would see a guy working a food stand, a lady in a suit walking to her next meeting and the guys with the speakers dancing for tips. So many small businesses took a chance on themselves, inspiring others to take a chance on themselves.”
As she prepares to graduate from ATU and take on the world around her, Muse senses that her eyes are open to a wider range of possibilities after visiting New York City.
“This opportunity led me to meet 11 other students, most of whom I had never even had class with before,” said Muse. “We were in a different state and let all of our personalities create the experience that I enjoyed so much. I got the opportunity to go somewhere I had never been, learn a different way that people live and enjoy different experiences such as Chinatown and subway transportation, all while meeting new people. I am honestly sad I did not know about other opportunities to travel abroad and to different states, but I am very thankful that I got selected to go on this trip. I am already planning another trip to NYC.”
Visit www.atu.edu/studyabroad to learn more about study away and study abroad opportunities available to ATU students.
Visit www.atu.edu/business to learn more about the ATU College of Business and Economic Development.
