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!
My name is Yehalah and I'm a '26! First of all, if you're struggling to pronounce my name in your head, don't worry, I've never met anyone who has gotten it right on the first try.
I have lived in Sri Lanka my entire life, except for a few years in Singapore when I was younger. I had actually never traveled outside of Asia until I came here! Leaving my family behind and traveling alone, for 26 hours, across three flights was, to say the least, challenging but Dartmouth has more than exceeded my expectations, it has been outstanding! (Potterheads please notice my reference).
On a completely different note, if you're looking at this post that means you're interested in Dartmouth! I know how exhausting the application process is and I just want to say that I am proud of you; you're looking in the right place.
As an international, first-generation low-income (FGLI) student I hope my blog serves as a space where I can help people like me (and not like me!) gain insight into the many ways Dartmouth can become a second home.
At New Student Orientation!
The past month and a half has been a whirlwind, from the FYSEP Summer Session to International Orientation and First Year Trips. It feels like I just got here yesterday and like I've been here my whole life at the same time- which barely makes sense, I know. The FYSEP Summer Session which is a one-month long orientation program for first-generation, low-income students was easily one of the best experiences of my life. I met the most brilliant people (both students and staff) which gave me a community here at Dartmouth that I am so grateful for.
I am interested in pursuing Engineering with a possible concentration in the Energy field. However, because of Dartmouth's great academic flexibility, even though I'm pursuing a STEM concentrated major, I still have countless opportunities to explore the arts and extracurriculars.
I'm taking Drawing 1 this fall which is my favorite course for this term!
Drawing crumpled up pieces of paper for my class
Being an FGLI student can be difficult and different but I've made it this far and I know I have the best resources for me to succeed. I actually applied twice to Dartmouth, got in the second time and here I am, writing to all of you as I'm about to start week two of classes!
The sunset from my dorm window!
Stay tuned as I navigate the college on the hill and fight the urge to blast "Out of the Woods" by Taylor Swift every time I pass a cluster of more than five trees.
Join me as I work with the Dartmouth Student Alliance for Ukraine and later on February 24 for our vigil on the anniversary of Ukraine's invasion. As a campus, we are committed to fostering understanding and compassion in the face of adversity.
When I arrived at Dartmouth, I assumed dorms were the only housing option. It wasn't until sophomore year that I discovered Max Kade House, a German-themed Living Learning Community, and realized what I had been missing.
Dartmouth offers a variety of study abroad programs. In this post, I interviewed a member of the class of 2027 who went on the ASCL Chinese LSA+ during the summer of 2024.
The first-generation community at Dartmouth is an extremely tight knit and supportive community! This past week, we celebrated first-gen week, with a myriad of activities and lots of chances to meet new people!
The sorority rush process is a flexible, three-round experience each fall and winter where potential new members gradually narrow down their choices and receive an invitation to join their matched sorority.
