Full speech | Indian-American Harvard student Shruthi Kumar at convocation | Palestine solidarity

Summary

In this speech, the speaker reflects on the power of 'not knowing,' drawing from their personal experiences growing up in Nebraska and navigating uncertainty as a first-generation college student. They highlight how embracing the unknown can foster empathy, humility, and learning. The speaker recounts key challenges faced by the Harvard Class of 2024, including the pandemic, Roe v. Wade, affirmative action, and civil rights issues. They emphasize the importance of navigating discomfort and uncertainty, encouraging graduates to embrace the unknown as a source of growth and empowerment for the future.

Takeaways

• 🏆 The speaker emphasizes the traditional value placed on knowing and accolades but challenges this by advocating for the power of not knowing.
• 🌱 Growing up, the speaker felt powerless with 'I don't know,' but at Harvard, they found strength in uncertainty and the unknown.
• 🎓 As a graduate from the History of Science, the speaker learned the importance of the stories not told and the voices not heard in historical narratives.
• 🤝 The class of 2024 adapted to COVID by building quality relationships instead of quantity, showing adaptability in the face of the unknown.
• 🚫 The overturning of Roe v. Wade highlighted the uncertainty in accessing reproductive healthcare, a reality the class had to confront.
• 🏫 The Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action put Harvard's values to the test, showing the class the complexities of navigating societal issues.
• 🖥️ The speaker's personal experience with doxing and the targeting of black and brown students at Harvard underscored the real and present dangers of intolerance.
• 🗣️ The speaker calls for the recognition of freedom of speech and civil rights on campus, reflecting on the importance of democratic principles.
• 🌐 In times of division, the power of not knowing becomes critical, as it allows for empathy and learning from those we disagree with.
• 📚 The speaker suggests that what we don't know and how we navigate it will define us, not just the knowledge we've accumulated.
• 🌅 Emily Dickinson's quote about 'not knowing' is used to encourage graduates to approach life with curiosity and openness.

Q & A

What is the main message the speaker is conveying in the speech?

The speaker emphasizes the power of 'not knowing' as a tool for growth, humility, and learning, particularly during moments of uncertainty. They argue that admitting ignorance can lead to empathy and deeper understanding.

How does the speaker's personal background shape their message?

The speaker grew up in Nebraska as the eldest daughter of South Asian immigrants and was the first in their family to attend college in the U.S. This background influenced their experience with uncertainty and 'not knowing,' as they often had to navigate unfamiliar situations without guidance.

What is the significance of 'not knowing' in the speaker's academic journey?

The speaker found empowerment in not knowing when they discovered the field of the History of Science, which they had previously been unaware of. This experience taught them that uncertainty can lead to unexpected opportunities and new areas of interest.

How does the speaker relate their message to the experiences of the class of 2024?

The speaker connects the theme of 'not knowing' to the shared experiences of the class of 2024, who navigated uncertainty during major events like COVID-19, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.

What challenges did students of color face on campus, according to the speaker?

The speaker highlights incidents of doxing and public targeting of Black and brown students, which left them feeling uncertain about their safety and future. They also mention the sanctions against students expressing solidarity, framing these issues as civil rights and freedom of speech concerns.

What ethical stance does the speaker associate with 'not knowing'?

The speaker argues that 'not knowing' is an ethical stance that fosters empathy, humility, and a willingness to learn. They believe that acknowledging uncertainty can create space for understanding others' perspectives, even in moments of intense division.

How does the speaker view the role of uncertainty in personal and collective growth?

The speaker sees uncertainty as a catalyst for growth. They argue that leaning into discomfort and ambiguity allows individuals to engage with complex issues and deepen their understanding of the world, fostering personal and collective progress.

What advice does the speaker offer to the graduates as they move forward?

The speaker encourages graduates to embrace uncertainty, engage with difficult conversations without assuming they have all the answers, and approach the future with a 'beginner's mind,' open to learning and growth.

How does the speaker address the issue of division and disagreement within the Harvard community?

The speaker acknowledges the deep divisions on campus, particularly regarding the events in Gaza, and calls for empathy and understanding across differing perspectives. They argue that solidarity and connection are possible even when we don't fully know or understand each other's experiences.

Why does the speaker reference Emily Dickinson at the end of the speech?

The speaker references Emily Dickinson's quote 'Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door' to reinforce the idea of embracing uncertainty. They use it as a metaphor for approaching the unknown with openness and curiosity.