ACE alumna Priscilla Torres earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2017. A first-generation college student, she earned her Ph.D. in political science at Duke University. Now, as an assistant professor at Wellesley College. We spoke with Torres as she reflected on her LMU and ACE experiences and achievements.
What brought you to the Academic Community of Excellence?
Torres: Probably a general interest and curiosity in understanding what options were available to me in grad school. Whether that was more of a professional route like law school, or, you know, going to get a master's or Ph.D. Or something like that, I was just curious as to what some of those paths might be that I could potentially take or look into. So, I don't know, just a general curiosity, I think, is what motivated me initially.
What inspired you to become a professor?
Torres: I always knew that I wanted, or I had a feeling that I wanted to teach and be a professor. And I definitely knew that I liked the research, and I wanted to continue. I wanted to be able to continue to do that kind of research. So, when it came time for me to apply for jobs, I just kind of applied decently, broadly, but in the back of my mind. I knew that I wanted to be at perhaps a smaller place that may be focused particularly on undergraduate education. That's sort of, you know, the model that I was used to like back at LMU.... I think when it came time to figure out what I was going to be working next, Wellesley just ended up being a really good fit, and I could work with undergrads. Primarily, that it's a liberal arts institution, which is also consistent with what I was used to at LMU ....
What do you feel has been your greatest academic, personal, or professional achievement?
Torres: I think, personally, probably getting my Ph.D.; like, that's been huge. And it was a very difficult process. And then I think with respect to my career, getting this job in particular.... I think, so far, [the faculty position] has seemed to be like a really great fit for me. And like the students that I get to work with; [they are] exactly the kinds of students I envisioned being able to work with.... I think that not only the fact that I got a job, but also a job that I really liked, is a huge accomplishment in my mind.
What, if any, advice do you have for students?
Torres: Cherish your time at LMU. Get to know as many people that you can. I don't know. There are really smart, exciting, interesting people around. Get to know them. They probably have really good advice. Just enjoy it. In terms of the grad process .... keep working towards it, but don't make it your only thing as much as you can again. Like I just mentioned, try to enjoy being in the moment that you're in.... LMU is a really special place, and it's a special time in life where you know you have your core set of friends. But at the same time, you're constantly meeting new people [and] it's such a great environment to be in, so enjoy that.
