Patrick Braga
Economics, Music, Urban and Regional Studies
Sarasota, FL
What was your most profound turning point while at Cornell?
I decided to declare a dual-degree with music between my sophomore and junior years, and I am so glad I did. The music major has opened so many doors for creative development and created an incredible number of opportunities.
How did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?
I used to be a staunch proponent of classical and traditional architecture, and couldn't stand modernism in the slightest. After learning more about the social and intellectual contexts in which modernist movements were born and cultivated, though, I came to really appreciate those buildings and architects. In fact, the subject of my second opera was Le Corbusier, a founding figure of modernism.
What are your plans for next year; where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'll be working as a commercial mortgage-backed security analyst at Kroll Bond Rating Agency, blending my interests in urban planning and economics. In the next 10 years, I want to continue writing innovative modern opera and be on track to make meaningful changes to urban policy.
