Sumana Krovi: Space to Discover Who She Is and Who She Wants to Become and Why College Still Matters

This article appeared in the spring 2026 issue of New England College Magazine.

Sumana Krovi

BA Politics and BA Criminal Justice ’28

For Sumana Krovi ’28, college is not just a step toward a career. It is a space to discover who she is and who she wants to become.

A double major in Politics and Criminal Justice, Sumana came to New England College with a clear sense of direction. She plans to attend law school and is already exploring where her interests might take her, from constitutional law to advocacy work focused on voting access. But while her ambitions were well defined, the depth of her growth since arriving on campus is something she didn’t fully anticipate.

“I knew college would open doors professionally,” she says. “But I didn’t realize how much I would grow personally.”

That growth has taken shape in both expected and unexpected ways. Sumana has immersed herself in hands-on opportunities that bring her academic interests to life: working on political campaigns, interning with a criminal prosecutor, and even launching a podcast focused on constitutional law. These experiences have given her early exposure to the realities of the political and legal worlds, helping her refine her goals while building practical skills.

“College has given me the space to actually do the things I’ve always been interested in,” she says. “I’ve learned what I enjoy, like writing policy briefs and building legal arguments, and I’ve also realized there are paths I don’t necessarily want to take. That’s just as valuable.”

Just as important as those professional experiences, however, has been the personal development that comes with independence. Living and learning in a new environment has pushed Sumana to build confidence, manage her time, and navigate responsibilities on her own. Even the seemingly small milestones—balancing commitments, developing routines, learning how to manage daily life—have played a meaningful role in shaping her.

“Those little things don’t seem important at first,” she says. “But they really are. They add up to who you become.”

At New England College, that growth is supported by a close-knit community that encourages exploration and connection. Sumana points to the value of learning in a small liberal arts environment, where relationships with faculty and peers are not only possible, but central to the experience.

“You’re not just another face,” she says. “People know you, and they want to help you succeed.”

That support has opened doors she hadn’t imagined when she first arrived on campus. Through faculty mentorship, she has been introduced to professional networks, invited into conversations and experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraged to pursue her interests in meaningful ways. She worked on the Kamala Harris presidential campaign and serves with Let Us Lead, a youth-led organization dedicated to leadership development, civic education, and community empowerment.

“Professors really invest in you here,” she says. “They see what you’re passionate about and help you go after it.”

Equally impactful has been her growing sense of belonging. While her first year came with moments of uncertainty, she has since found a strong community and a network of friends who have shaped her experience in lasting ways.

“I didn’t expect how much a sense of belonging would matter,” she reflects. “But your connections—your community—are such a big part of your growth.”

Sumana is also clear-eyed about the realities facing today’s students, particularly when it comes to the cost of higher education. Financial considerations played a significant role in her college decision, ultimately leading her to NEC, where she found both opportunity and affordability.

“I was looking at schools that would have put me in a lot of debt,” she says. “NEC gave me the opportunity to pursue my goals without that burden. You have to find a place that fits you financially and academically, especially if you’re planning to continue your education, like going to law school.”

For Sumana, that balance has allowed her to focus not just on her future, but on making the most of her present experience. And when it comes to the broader question of whether college still matters, her answer is both thoughtful and emphatic.

“Absolutely,” she says. “But it’s also a very individual decision. There are many paths to success.”

Still, she believes that for those who choose college, the impact can be transformative. Beyond academics and career preparation, it offers something deeper: perspective, empathy, and a stronger understanding of both self and society.

“Education is power,” she says. “It helps you understand the world, have informed conversations, and develop empathy—especially in fields like politics.”

As the daughter of an immigrant family, that perspective carries personal significance. It reinforces her commitment to using her education not only for personal advancement, but to create opportunities for others.

Looking ahead, Sumana sees law school as the next step in a journey that is still unfolding. She hopes to pursue a legal career focused on expanding access to voting and civic participation—work that reflects both her academic interests and her desire to make a meaningful impact.

“College has helped me figure out the kind of difference I want to make,” she says. “And it’s given me the tools to start making that difference now.”

In a time when the value of higher education is often debated, Sumana’s experience offers a compelling perspective. College, she suggests, is not simply about earning a degree or securing a job. It is about growth, exploration, and the opportunity to become something more.

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