For Kimi Nguyen, an applied mathematics master’s student with concentrations in data science, being selected as the student speaker for the 2025 College of Science Graduate Celebration represents a fitting conclusion to her Northeastern journey.
“It is a tremendous honor,” Nguyen says. “As a PlusOne student who also completed my undergraduate degree here, Northeastern has been a second home to me for many years.”
The selection holds special significance for Nguyen. “Closing out my time at Northeastern as the speaker this year is a bittersweet and meaningful way to end this chapter,” she reflects.
Growth Beyond Equations
While Nguyen’s academic journey has certainly strengthened her skills as a mathematician, her Northeastern experience fostered growth in multiple dimensions.
“I’ve grown as a person — in how I communicate, how I handle conflict, and overall, who I am,” she explains. “Each year, I find myself more different than the person I was the year before.”
This evolution from high school student to graduate student represents significant personal development that parallels her academic achievements.
Giving Back to the Math Department
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Nguyen points to her contributions to the Mathematics Department. “It was never about recognition; I simply enjoyed it,” she says.
Her involvement spanned numerous initiatives, from participating in Bridge to Calculus to taking a leadership role in MathEMA and representing the math and PlusOne programs to prospective students. These efforts became especially meaningful considering that her undergraduate years began during the challenges of COVID.
“I am proud of how much I was able to give back to the community that gave so much to me,” she notes.
The Beauty of Late-Night Study Sessions
Some of Nguyen’s favorite memories revolve around late-night study sessions with fellow students. “Whether it was in the math lounge or at Snell Library, staying up late grinding through assignments with friends became a surprisingly special ritual,” she shares.
Though difficult in the moment, these experiences created lasting bonds. “We would get frustrated, tired, and hungry—but somehow, it bonded us. And even though, at the time, it was terrible and exhausting, we would all still show up the next day to do it all over again.”
This perfect encapsulation of the college experience—”It was the best of times; it was the worst of times”—reflects the unique camaraderie formed through shared academic challenges.
Campus Connections
As graduation approaches, Nguyen will miss the campus environment and the vibrant community of the Mathematics Department.
“I’ll miss running between office hours, the busy semesters spent side by side with friends and a whiteboard, and the small but meaningful moments — like sitting at Centennial Common after finals, reflecting on how far we’d come,” she says.
Her deep appreciation for the Math Department stands out in her reflections: “I am deeply grateful for my time at Northeastern, and I credit the math department, above all, for making it so special.”
Looking Forward While Appreciating the Present
Currently working full-time at Loomis Sayles as a Custom Income Strategies Associate, Nguyen plans to eventually apply to Ph.D. programs in mathematics, applied math, data science, or engineering. She’s also considering returning to Cambodia, where she completed her undergraduate co-op.
Looking back, she offers advice to first-year students that resonates with many graduates: “It’s so cliché, but I would tell my first-year self to slow down and enjoy the moment.”
Throughout her time at Northeastern, Nguyen was often focused on what came next graduating, building a career, and moving forward. Now at that transition point, she has a new perspective: “Now that I’m actually stepping into that next chapter, I look back with a sense of melancholy and gratitude for my time at Northeastern.”
Her parting reflection captures both the anticipation of a new graduate and the nostalgia of a completed journey: “While ambition is important, these moments—both the highs and the struggles—are what make the experience truly special. Because five years could not have gone by any faster.”
