Jason Myers
Wallingford, Connecticut
I wanted a larger campus, and Cornell's sprawling quads, countless stylistically diverse buildings, vibrant community, and vast lakes made the university feel like a world all of its own. I was hooked.
Why did you choose Cornell and AAP?
I felt that Cornell was one of the only institutions I discovered that runs a truly dedicated and comprehensive planning program. While most colleges would teach planning as just another one of their arts and sciences electives, Cornell makes it a fully-fledged component of the AAP system, which puts a heavy emphasis on creativity first and foremost. I visited the campus multiple times, and during these trips I got to see both the incredible AAP facilities and the beautiful surrounding Ithaca area. I wanted a larger campus, and Cornell's sprawling quads, countless stylistically diverse buildings, vibrant community, and vast lakes made the university feel like a world all of its own. I was hooked.
What inspired you to join the field of city and regional planning?
City and Regional Planning has perhaps more variety than any other major in our time. I was originally looking to become a civil engineer, but had always feared that the work would become monotonous over time. I did not have the same fear with urban planning. As a planner, every city has a different community to work with, and every problem requires a unique solution. In this major more than any other, I feel that every day will present me with a new and exciting challenge to tackle for the betterment of my community.
What are your extracurricular interests and how have you incorporated them into your college life?
As an Eagle Scout, I enjoy the outdoors and love to go on backpacking trips. I am also an experienced alto saxophone player. I have a knack for studying geography and looking at maps, and I am an avid Disney Parks fan.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time at AAP and after graduation?
I am hoping that AAP can provide me with a well-rounded education in planning so that I can give attention to and understand all aspects of a city, whatever my future role in society may be. I believe that an adolescent's belief in the value of education is a major factor in his or her future success, so I would love to understand ways that a city and its design could encourage, discourage, or influence youths to learn, make smart decisions, and live well as they grow up.
