Drew Tappan - The Difference a Week Can Make

This summer, the Walton College is proud to feature Drew Tappan, one of our finance students, who is guest-blogging for us while he embarks on a Study Abroad experience in Athens, Greece. The following is the second post from Drew.


It's funny how time changes things. Over the course of this past month, I've transitioned from an exhausted, exam plagued student to that of a jet lagged and incoherent zombie. Throughout the past week I have immersed myself in the Greek culture, history, and tradition, and have immerged a revitalized and refreshed image of my former self.

One of the greatest factors in the success of my experience so far can be attributed to the strong cohesiveness of the group. A unique combination of ten undergraduate and five graduate students, this blend of students has already grown far closer than I ever could have imagined. Of course, it doesn't hurt when that same group happens to be located in one of the jewels of southern Europe. Over the course of these last five days, our group has been privileged to experience more than some may see in a lifetime. Full days spent in the cities of ancient Athens, Corinth, and other historical locations have not only filled my mind with vivid memories and images for the future, but given me a greater respect for this world in its entirety. The flexibility of our class schedules and university administrators has allowed our group to possess the ample setting for both classroom instruction and the full historical experience. I must admit, paralleling what I'm sure is the common consensus, that the Acropolis (the Parthenon, Temple of Athena-Nike, etc.) and the ancient city of Corinth are nothing less than extraordinary. They are two of the most historical places throughout Greece, and have been two of the most enjoyable sights of our trip. The precision and quality with which these establishments were built, as well as their extensive preservation, has allowed our group to come away with some wonderful experiences. I cannot thank my family, the University of Arkansas Study Abroad Program, and my faculty leaders enough, for if the duration of our trip is anything relatively equivalent to the first five days, I'm sorry mom but I may not be coming home!

Drew Tappan
University of Arkansas
Walton College Honors Program
Financial Management & Investments