Shruthi Kumar, a senior at Harvard who graduated in 2024, has a message to share: sometimes, not knowing things can be a good thing! In a recent article, she reflected on how, throughout our lives, we’re often praised for knowing stuff—whether it’s facts for a test or skills we pick up. But Shruthi wants people to see the power in not having all the answers.

Shruthi grew up in Nebraska, surrounded by cattle ranches and cornfields. As the daughter of South Asian immigrants, she was the first in her family to attend college in the U.S. Her parents didn’t know much about applying to college, and when Shruthi asked for advice, they replied, “I don’t know.” These words, which used to make her feel defeated, later became her source of strength.

She shared how her journey to Harvard helped her rethink the idea of "not knowing." She didn’t even know her field of study, the History of Science, existed until she found it in college. Learning about the missing stories in history and understanding that silence can speak volumes taught her that not knowing can actually help uncover the truth. Shruthi explained that the Class of 2024 has been through lots of uncertain times. They started Harvard during the COVID-19 pandemic, and instead of meeting new people at the usual dining hall, they had to adapt. Later, they faced the uncertainty of landmark cases being overturned and the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action. On top of that, Shruthi and other students of color were doxxed, which made them feel unsafe. Now, as Harvard's community faces disagreements over events in Gaza, Shruthi argues that not knowing can be an important tool. We don’t always have to fully understand someone else’s struggles to stand by them. By asking questions, listening, and approaching others with empathy, Shruthi believes we can build stronger connections.

As the Class of 2024 graduates, Shruthi reminds her peers that their future success won’t just come from what they know but from how they handle the unknown. She encourages them to embrace uncertainty and approach life with an open mind, quoting Emily Dickinson: “Not knowing when the Dawn will come, I open every Door.”