Chris Worden: ‘I have discovered what it feels like to appreciate and enjoy learning’

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.