Chris Worden
Music
Guilford, CT
How have you changed since you first arrived at Cornell? What have you discovered about yourself?
Since I first arrived at Cornell, I have discovered what it feels like to appreciate and enjoy learning. I have found joy in coming to better understand the music I love, to the point of reading academic papers for fun—something my high school self would never have imagined. I have also come to better understand my overall strengths and weaknesses. That's a never-ending process, of course, but I feel that knowing myself a bit better has helped me to improve my mental health.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most? How or why?
I think Paul Merrill, my instructor and jazz ensemble director, was the most influential. The times I would stop by his office hours during freshman year to learn about jazz harmony were some of my most exciting experiences at Cornell. It really kickstarted a passion for music theory that would go on to shape my future interests and education.
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