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Yehalah Fernando

Class of 2026
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Bio 

Hi everyone! I'm Yehalah and I'm a '26 coming all the way from Colombo, Sri Lanka. My academic passions lie in Energy Engineering and Environmental Studies. I am a first-generation and low-income student, actively involved with the community. I love to paint and read during my free time. I'm excited that you're here, and I hope you enjoy this account of my life at Dartmouth!

Academic Program 

Energy Engineering

Favorite Thing Right Now 

Trying out all the different food in Berlin!

Hometown 

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Pronouns 

she/her/hers

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Yehalah's D-Plan

What's a D-Plan?

    • FallHanover, New Hampshire

      Favorite Class: SART 015: Drawing 1

      Taking an art class has long been a dream of mine. Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley exceeded my expectations greatly! He is an inspiring instructor who allowed us creative freedom, while guiding us in the right direction. We drew in different forms of charcoal, with colour introduced towards the end of the term. I loved my experience and I cannot wait to take another Studio Art class!

    • WinterHanover, New Hampshire

      Favorite Class: SART 025: Painting 1

      The sequel to Drawing 1 with Professor Enrico Riley! We worked in oil paint, which I was completely new to and admittedly afraid to use. I ended up falling in love with the medium and the flexibility it gave me to adjust and refine my paintings at any point in the process. I am sad to finish this class and I hope I get to take another Studio Art class in the future!

    • SpringHanover, New Hampshire

      Favorite Class: HIST 07.37: Race, Nation and Ethnicity

      Moving to America was a drastic adjustment, especially considering the difference in perception of race and ethnicity. This class gave me a insight into past and current American oppression against Black and Indigenous communities. I loved how much I learnt through this class, which was also my First Year Seminar requirement.

    • SummerColombo, Sri Lanka

      Taking a break at home with good food and family!

    • FallHanover, NH

      Favorite Class: GERM 1: Introductory German

      My first language class at Dartmouth! Taking German was intimidating, especially because of the fast-paced and rigorous learning method that Dartmouth uses. It was so interesting to learn the different grammar and rules used in the German language. I cannot wait to use my Beginner German skills in Berlin next Spring!

    • WinterHanover, NH

      Favorite Class: ARTH 38.01: Sacred Architecture of Asia

      The Sacred Architecture of Asia is one of the most incredible courses I have taken at Dartmouth! The course is primarily discussion-based, with Professor Seher explaining and initiating conversation about the course material. The material assigned was incredibly inspiring and taught me so much about South Asian religions and their beginnings. Everywhere I travel now, I think about the lessons I have learnt in this class and I am truly grateful to Professor Seher for facilitating an incredible learning experience!

    • SpringBerlin, Germany

      Favorite Class: GERM 44.07: Metropolis Berlin

      Learning about German history in Berlin was a great way to explore the city and culture! The class had weekly excursions where we visited important sites in Berlin, which was so informative and helpful. Overall, I learnt so many new aspects of Germany and the people who played a significant role in German history.

    • SummerPerrysburg, Ohio

      Interning at First Solar, a solar panel manufacturing company! I work on the Application Engineering team under Product Management, developing ways to better serve our clients and enhance our products. It has been an amazing experience so far, I have learnt so much and I am so grateful for this opportunity!

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22F study spaces!

The Fall term is officially over! Writing this an hour after I submitted my final assignment, I am still in disbelief. Even though I was eternally busy, the ten weeks really did fly by. Finals week had me and my friends constantly searching for new study spaces to try out; because what better time is there to stress about where you are studying than when you are already stressed out?

  1. No. 1

    Blobby!

    Blobby

    Yes, that is an actual word. Blobby aka the Baker library lobby! Besides the beautiful architecture, it is also study space for students. It is quiet enough that you cannot hear other people's conversations but there is a constant buzz. The higher up you go in Baker Library, the quieter it gets, so this is good place to study if you are someone who likes to have some background noise while studying. 

  2. No. 2

    The Engineering and Computer Science Center!

    ECSC

    Being an engineering major, I will probably spend the majority of my time at Dartmouth in this building! Exploring it with my friend Victoria, we found really nice classrooms and spaces that we could study in. The center also houses the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, the Dali Lab, and the Electron Microscope Facility. 

  3. No. 3

    Rauner Library!

    Rauner Library

    This may sound bizarre, but the first time I stepped into Rauner Library was during finals week. I instantly regretted not doing it sooner, especially because it is a one minute walk from my dorm! The Rauner Special Collections Library is home to Dartmouth's rare books, manuscripts and the archives. They are constantly rotating through exhibits of the works they have! The study spaces are picturesque, with a beautiful view from the long windows. I will definitely see more of Rauner in the Winter Term, when it is way too cold to walk anywhere else!

  4. No. 4

    The Irving Institute!

    Irving Institute

    Now this place just emanates productivity. I don't know if it is the building or the concentration of the students around me, but I did some of my most productive work here. It is extremely quiet so it is a good place to get some readings done. The Irving Institute is highly energy efficient, in line with Dartmouth's commitment to a clean energy transition. It also houses The Fern Coffee and Tea Bar, which offers a good selection including grain bowls and bubble tea! It is definitely somewhere I would go when I need to meet a tight deadline. 

  5. No. 5

    The First Generation Office!

    First Generation Office

    Last but definitely not least, the First Generation Office (FGO)! This space has a special place in my heart. I would say that at one point, I spent more time here than anywhere else on campus. It has the most homely atmosphere and there is a 95% chance that one of my friends from FYSEP will be in here. It may not be the best place to write a paper but I did most of my studying for maths here (Math 003 prayer circle before our first midterm pictured above). The First Generation Office will be moving to a new space next term and while I am sad about it, I'm looking forward to exploring the new FGO!

Posted 12/8/2022 at 9:00 AMAll List Posts

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