Patrick Lynch
Physics
College Station, TX
Why did you choose Cornell?
When I started college, I had no idea which major I wanted to study. Cornell offered a wide breadth of studies and didn't make me commit until I was a sophomore. This was good for me, since I arrived at Cornell interested in the liberal arts but graduated with a degree in physics.
What is your main extracurricular activity--why is it important to you?
My major extracurricular activity is being part of the Cornell Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra is important not only because I see my friends and play music I love, but because it allowed me to challenge myself on a weekly basis emotionally and technically rather than just academically.
What was your most profound turning point while at Cornell?
My most profound turning point was when I decided I wanted to commit to medicine and become a doctor. I spent most of my life wondering in the back of my head what I was going to do when I grow up, so deciding on a career gave me a new sense of purpose and direction.