When Paola Pimentel Torres first arrived at Northeastern University from her hometown of Carolina, Puerto Rico, she was shy and overwhelmed by the prospect of standing out among so many talented students. Now, as one of the selected undergraduate student speakers for the 2025 College of Science Celebration on May 9th, the chemistry major with a concentration in chemical biology and a minor in Spanish for healthcare professionals reflects on a journey of remarkable personal and academic growth.
“Being chosen as the COS Celebration student speaker was truly unexpected, and it means more to me than I can fully express,” Pimentel Torres says. “It’s a reflection of the hard work, growth, and resilience that have shaped my journey over the past four years.”
While her initial goal was straightforward—get into medical school—her Northeastern experience provided far more than just academic preparation. Through her classes, she developed confidence and meaningful relationships with professors. She discovered effective study strategies and, perhaps most importantly, learned to believe in herself.
Chemistry Club Legacy
Pimentel Torres points to her involvement with the chemistry club as her proudest achievement at Northeastern. What began as a simple way to make friends and find support evolved into a leadership journey that saw her rise from member to vice president during her freshman year, ultimately becoming president by her senior year.
“I worked to transform the club into a more welcoming space for students of all majors, and I focused on creating activities that have since become lasting traditions,” she explains. Under her leadership, the club became more inclusive while she personally developed greater confidence in her voice and learned to advocate for her beliefs.
The connections she forged with faculty and peers through the club proved invaluable, creating a network that helped shape her educational path and personal development.
Finding School Spirit
Asked about her favorite Northeastern memory, Pimentel Torres recalls attending her first Beanpot hockey game—an experience that ignited school pride she hadn’t anticipated.
“I had no idea how big of a deal hockey was at Northeastern, and to experience a championship win firsthand was unforgettable,” she shares. “The energy in the arena was electric, and it sparked a genuine love for the sport in me.”
The experience deepened her connection to the university community, leading her to proudly wear Northeastern gear more often and embrace campus traditions.
Daily Traditions and Future Plans
As graduation approaches, Pimentel Torres will miss the small daily rituals that made Northeastern feel like home: stopping by Wollaston’s for a large mocha or double chocolate muffin (her favorite sandwich was always the “Lighten Up Francis”), attending classes with friends, and spending hours studying together at Snell Library or EXP.
“Having the freedom to see each other whenever we wanted, whether for schoolwork or to hang out, is something I’ll miss dearly,” she reflects. “It’s the simple moments with the people who became my second family that I’ll always hold closest.”
This fall, Pimentel Torres will begin medical school at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, fulfilling the goal that brought her to Northeastern originally. Before then, she looks forward to her first real break from academics, planning to spend the summer with friends and family.
Advice to First-Year Students
Looking back, Pimentel Torres wishes she had worried less about meeting specific expectations and checking boxes. “I would tell my first-year self to worry less and do more,” she advises. “I spent too much energy trying to fit into a specific mold.”
Her recommendation to incoming students: take risks, be curious, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t worry about what others think. The experiences that seemed most intimidating often became her most rewarding.
